Orphan Sunday Resources

Deuteronomy 10:18 ESV  "He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing."

There are 143 million orphans and waiting children. That's a BIG number! Every Christian can make a difference. Go to Jesus and pray about what He wants you to do! There are many things you can do on behalf of these children:

1.  Pray  
Pray about adopting, fostering, or becoming a safe family. Pray if God is calling you to be involved in fighting human trafficking, working to preserve families, or helping women in need who are currently pregnant. Pray that God shows you what He wants you to do to care for these children. Pray for children who are looking for homes. Go online to find a list of children who are waiting for a home.  Check out www.adoptuskids.org or www.rainbowkids.com. Print out a picture of a child. Pray for this child daily!

2.  Read, study, and learn more about adoption, foster care, and orphans.  Become educated!
Adopted for Life  Russell Moore
Orphanology:  Awakening to Gospel-Centered Adoption and Orphan Care  Tony Merida
David Platt's Radical site has many resources.
Watch "Adopted: Rescued to Love"

3.  Find an organization that supports orphans/vulnerable children and support it!
Check out Heart for Africa, Asia's Hope,  IJM, or the Haiti Collective.  Locally, learn more about Mars Home for Youth or the Foster Love Project.  Search for others!  If you have more suggestions, let me know!

4.  Find a family who is adopting and adopt them. Adoption can be a long and difficult process.  Families who are adopting need lots of support. Pray for them. Encourage them. Help them fundraise.

5.  Support a family who has adopted or is fostering.
Think "wrap-around care". Mow their lawn, offer to babysit, help with car maintenance, house cleaning, donate supplies, line up meals, throw a shower for them, or run errands. Brainstorm other ways you can support! Check out this video from Austin Stone to be inspired. "Foster Care Babysitting"

Can't wait to hear how God uses you!  Remember, it only takes one caring person to change a child's life forever.

Persecuted Church Resources

What an amazing night of unity!  I am glad that we were able to come together to worship and pray for the persecuted church.  Here are some resources if you want to learn more about it:


1.  The Voice of the Martyrs
The Voice of the Martyrs offers many resources and ways to support Christians who are being persecuted around the globe.  They offer prayer maps, newsletters encouraging you to pray about current events, and a chance to write letters to Christians who are being held prisoner because of their faith.  They have a website for children called Kids of Courage.  I would recommend looking through to see if it is age appropriate for your child.

2.  Operation World
Operation World offers prayer guides for every nation.  A number of the countries have videos that you can watch to learn more about how to pray specifically.  (I would preview before showing some to children.)  I would highly recommend starting with the 60 Days of Prayer!

3.  7 Things to pray for Missionaries
This blog is based on Paul's charge to Timothy. (see 2 Tim. 2:1-7)  It includes 7 simple ways to pray for missionaries.

Your biggest blindspot: Grace!

We all have blindspots. I certainly have many of them! Sometimes the biggest blindspots exist in the areas where we feel most comfortable. It's where we take the most for granted. As a pastor, there should be significant emphasis placed on the meaning and application of "words". What they mean, why they matter, how they are used in conversation, and how they apply in proper contexts really are important.

I have recently been contemplating the word "grace". It's obvious that churches around the world use the word "grace" all the time. Why? Because the Bible speaks of grace throughout both the Old and New Testaments. It's such an integral part of God's character.

But, do Christians grasp the depth of its meaning? Are we in awe of its impact? How can we better understand it and teach it to others? Is this a blindspot in your faith? I love this short, yet very insightful post by Paul David Tripp.

Paul David Tripp - Great Article!

Can We Really Handle the Truth?

Our culture is in a moral free-fall. The evidence is easily seen all around us. But, what do we do when the truth isn't as easy to see in the American church culture? The church has been drifting in its focus. Our goals and desires cannot be for buildings, better bands, cooler places for children's and youth ministries, and the crowd-pleasing pastor. 

Jesus left a clear message for His church:

The Mandate from Jesus Christ

When it comes to our families, our goal is discipleship as well.  Above everything else, our desire is that our children come to Christ which often happens through a price...

From the Gospel Coalition

We love these two links!

For the past few years, Heather and I have enjoyed learning from both the Austin Stone Community Church and the Verge Network. These two specific posts were encouraging, insightful, and challenging for us. Hope you enjoy them too!


Gospel Neighboring - Great video from Austin Stone

Gospel Neighboring

25 Simple Ways To Be Missional In Your Neighborhood - Helpful ideas from Verge

Missional in Your Neighborhood

This week's "must watch" and "must read"!

My goal is to regularly post a video to watch and an article to read that I have found beneficial. Hope you find them beneficial too!

This short video perfectly describes the reality of family life in America:

Click to Watch

This article is certainly relevant too:

Click to Read

Isn't it funny how easily we all can get so busy? I found these resources to be helpful in thinking through life from a biblical perspective.

Stories behind Fair Trade Friday (from Heather)

I love, love, love Fair Trade Friday boxes.  At the beginning of each month, I can't wait to get the box in the mail.  Our girls love opening the box with me and looking through each item.  We love learning more about the women who make each item and being able to pray for each one by name.  What a blessing to be able to teach our girls about using our resources to help others!

I thought you might like to learn more about some of the stories behind these boxes...

Pauline (Kenya)
Pauline was only 15 years old when she became pregnant through force.  When she moved into the Rehema House in Kenya, the maternity home funded by Mercy House, she was desperate and hopeless.  In just a few short years, her life has been transformed by the Gospel.  Her son, Melvin, is thriving.  Recently, Pauline graduated from the residence program and moved back home.  She attends vocational beauty school 5 days a week, while Melvin is in school because of sponsorship.  Every Saturday, she goes into the heart of her slum and teachers more than 20 mothers how to make beautiful products that are then sent back to the USA to be mailed out in Fair Trade Friday boxes.  The women in this community outreach make about $50 a month from the product that will pay for rent and provide food and school fees for children.  What a beautiful example of what God can do!

Maureen (Zambia)
Maureen, who is pictured with her daughter Regina above, works with Clothed with Hope.  She is the brains behind much of the jewelry line.  There is even a necklace name after her daughter, Regina.  Maureen graduated from a life-skills training program in September 2014 after completing a 12-month sewing and business curriculum with her daughter on her back.  Maureen is showing her children that work is good, and no obstacle is big enough to keep her from pursuing her dreams for her family.

I would love to invite you to join me in helping change lives.  There are many more women and many more stories.  You will love learning each story!  With each purchase, these women will know that their lives matter.  You will not only empower them but allow the Gospel to be shared!   As a mom with lots of littles, joining the Fair Trade Friday Club as allowed us to make a difference from our home.  For under $35 a month, I am humbled that God allows our family to play a part in the story of others!  Please consider joining either the Earring of the Month Club or the Fair Trade Friday Box.