While on our family’s recent road trip, I had occasion to read the Denver Post and was really encouraged by one article in particular. The link to the article is below.
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_14516591
The article described the phenomenal success of a program to encourage the adoption of children in foster care. The program, “Wait No More,” was initiated by Focus on the Family, which is based in Colorado Springs. When “Wait No More” was launched in Colorado in late 2008, there were almost 800 foster kids eligible for adoption. But just over a year later, there were only 365 such foster kids left. That is an amazing placement record.
Focus on the Family began the “Wait No More” program because of the biblical command to care for orphans. The group works with state agencies in several states to raise public awareness of the need for adoptive families and to recruit prospective adoptive parents. A link to the program’s homepage is below.
http://www.icareaboutorphans.org/Default.aspx
I was really encouraged to read of “Wait No More” for several reasons. First, the plight of children without forever families is a particular concern of mine. Our immediate and extended family has been blessed by adoption multiple times. My heart always breaks at the staggering numbers of children in this country and in others that don’t have a permanent home with at least one parent. Children without the protection, guidance and care of adults are among the most vulnerable members of any society.
I was also encouraged to read of “Wait No More” because it seemed like a hopeful example of common ground. There are many who disagree vehemently with the politics of Focus on the Family. (In many respects, I’m probably in that camp.) But whether or not you agree with Focus on the Family’s political bent, who amongst us doesn’t care about orphans? Christians of all perspectives understand the biblical command to care for children—particularly orphans. Regardless of whom we supported in the last presidential election, it seems to me that we can all get behind the work done by “Wait No More.” It transcends what might otherwise divide us, and it is incredibly important work. In our current politically-fractured, dysfunctional climate, that seems like a very good thing indeed.
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_14516591
The article described the phenomenal success of a program to encourage the adoption of children in foster care. The program, “Wait No More,” was initiated by Focus on the Family, which is based in Colorado Springs. When “Wait No More” was launched in Colorado in late 2008, there were almost 800 foster kids eligible for adoption. But just over a year later, there were only 365 such foster kids left. That is an amazing placement record.
Focus on the Family began the “Wait No More” program because of the biblical command to care for orphans. The group works with state agencies in several states to raise public awareness of the need for adoptive families and to recruit prospective adoptive parents. A link to the program’s homepage is below.
http://www.icareaboutorphans.org/Default.aspx
I was really encouraged to read of “Wait No More” for several reasons. First, the plight of children without forever families is a particular concern of mine. Our immediate and extended family has been blessed by adoption multiple times. My heart always breaks at the staggering numbers of children in this country and in others that don’t have a permanent home with at least one parent. Children without the protection, guidance and care of adults are among the most vulnerable members of any society.
I was also encouraged to read of “Wait No More” because it seemed like a hopeful example of common ground. There are many who disagree vehemently with the politics of Focus on the Family. (In many respects, I’m probably in that camp.) But whether or not you agree with Focus on the Family’s political bent, who amongst us doesn’t care about orphans? Christians of all perspectives understand the biblical command to care for children—particularly orphans. Regardless of whom we supported in the last presidential election, it seems to me that we can all get behind the work done by “Wait No More.” It transcends what might otherwise divide us, and it is incredibly important work. In our current politically-fractured, dysfunctional climate, that seems like a very good thing indeed.
Isaiah 1:17 (New American Standard Bible)
Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow.
James 1:27 (Amplified Bible)
External religious worship [religion as it is expressed in outward acts] that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world.
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