For anyone who is an adoptive parent, in the process of adopting, or knows someone who is, you know that it is not an easy process. There is paperwork, waiting, disappointment, multiple trips, and expensive fees. Adoption is a beautiful and gracious way to grow a family, but these obstacles keep many families from extending their reach in this way.
On the other side of the story, adoption is becoming more and more difficult. Just last month Guatemala has slowed, and even stopped, adoptions. And I just found out that today Kazakhstan has halted all adoption proceedings. There are thousands of children and parents waiting to meet each other, but these walls are dividing us.
Of the 143 million children living without parents, only .018% will be adopted. This low figure won't even chart. So for many children - and more all the time if the trends in Guatemala and Kazakhstan continue - coming into a forever family is not a realistic option.
So what can we do?
We can take family to them. We can't bring them to family, but we can take family to them! Of course, nothing can replace a loving mom and dad in a safe home with healthy meals and saving faith. But as the enemy claims victims, we must counterattack with a creative and compassionate strategy. We can all extend our reach. We can all offer holistic, long-term, and redemptive care to orphaned and abandoned children.
Go to Children's HopeChest or 5for50 to find out how your family can grow today! You can extend your reach to give God's hope and practical help to a child in need!
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