It’s Your Turn

How support teams strengthen family

Several months ago, a sibling group of three sisters went into care due to neglect and drugs in the home. There were no safe family members available to take them, so they were placed with a loving foster family. Because of the girls young ages of 1, 2, and 4, the first night in the home was exhausting and sleepless! In the morning, the foster parents began to make a list of needs, as the girls had come to them with only the dirty and outgrown clothes on their backs. As soon as the worn-out foster mom got her biological kids on the school bus, she looked at her husband, took a deep breath, and let a small but profound tear escape her strong eyes.

Before she could say another word, her phone vibrated. It was the orphan care director at their church. ‘I heard that you got your first placement last night! What are your most immediate needs?’ The foster mom was overwhelmed by the generosity being extended to her. Her biggest needs were diapers and clothing, a helping hand once her husband left for work, and dinner for her instantly larger family of 8.

She couldn’t believe her ears when she heard the response from the other end of the phone, ‘I will head your way in the next thirty minutes with diapers and clothing for the girls. We happen to have just the sizes you need in our donation closet here at the church. I’ll also bring a $25 Walmart gift card to cover other essentials. I’m going to contact our list of approved babysitters to see if someone could help you get the kids settled in today. And don’t you worry about dinner! Our meals team has been notified and they’re covering dinners for you this week and next. You are not alone.‘

Immediate relief flooded the foster mom’s heart and mind. She received the boost she needed to make it through day one. Their church continued to support them in the coming days, weeks, and months. They attended a weekly support group, were sent notes of encouragement from the prayer team, and were able to drop their new kiddos off during each service in a safe and equipped nursery. They were loved well, and in turn, were able to love the girls well.

This story is beautiful, but it isn’t true. Well, it isn’t true yet! What?! We know, hold on. This story hasn’t happened yet because it is the story of your church. There are churches across the United States helping foster families like this one. Like we said, each year we have the opportunity of seeing new churches take the next step in orphan care. This year it’s your turn! The hurting kiddos in your backyard are in need of families. And the overwhelmed families in your community and congregation are in need of support. We are all called to do something in orphan care, and it’s our job to guide you in developing that something. Let us help you!

Together, we will strive toward a day where there are more families waiting for children than children waiting for families in your community!

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