When thinking of adoption, many consider the verse in James reminding us the importance of ministering to widows and orphans. Adoption both domestically and internationally has gained ground in the last decade and over 10,600 orphans were adopted internationally and 57,000 orphans domestically in 2009. When considering the plight of orphans worldwide, many ask themselves how they can be involved in orphan care.
While not detracting from that very important need, there is another side of adoption that is less commonly considered: the Families who Place Children for Adoption.
For every adoption completed is a woman, man, and family who loses a family member. Oftentimes the circumstances surrounding the placement of a child are less than ideal. Inability to provide financially for a child or another child is often the case. When a private domestic adoption placement is completed and a happy couple leaves the hospital, a heartbroken birth mother and family are left behind to deal with the physical and emotional ramifications of immense grief and loss. If there is a lack of support from their family regarding their adoption plan, some birth parents also wrestle to navigate complex family interactions and blame games. Though counseling is available, many do not take advantage of the opportunity for emotional support in this manner for a variety of reasons. In the end, most financial circumstances do not change for birth parents and they are left with emotional turmoil that pains for a lifetime. They are in need of support materially, emotionally, and most important spiritually. They often have no hope to look to in life and very few ways to cope with life’s difficulties. For those who are not believers, they cannot claim the promise in Matthew 11:28-30:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (NIV).
EBC has an opportunity to reach out to some birth families this holiday season with a mercy ministry geared toward providing some material needs while also sharing the gospel. A local adoption agency, Nightlight Christian Adoptions, is currently working with some birth families who have made adoption plans (who have not yet placed) and we can help! On the back table at church is a list of needs divided by family and family member.
If you would like to get involved, there are three primary ways to do so:
- Give items
- Give money to purchase items
- Write notes of encouragement to these families.
Money will be collected to purchase gas and grocery cards. When all items have been collected, members from EBC have the opportunity to deliver the items and share the gospel with these families. Multiple people can sign up per item. Please consider if and how you wish to be involved. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Laura Thien at laura.thien@gmail.com
NOTE: It is of great importance to maintain the confidentiality of these women and their families in respect to their adoption plan. Please do not share their names or names of their children (only first names are provided for our information) with those outside of the EBC family. For information on Nightlight Christian Adoptions and their ministries, you can visit their website at www.nightlight.org.
