It's not about us!

We heard a couple speak on international adoption in church when I felt a God-ordained passion to adopt from Africa. My husband didn't catch the passion until he prayed about it for several months.  After studying as much as we could on the orphan crisis we initially ventured out in the Rwanda program.    We requested a healthy infant, as we didn't want to deal with social, emotional, or health issues. 

All of a sudden we had a turn of events. Our adoption agency advised us to get out of the newly established Rwanda program. At this crossroads, we considered getting out of the adoption journey.  After all, there were so many unknowns, frustrations, and pitfalls on this long road.  And, we already had four children. 

We prayerfully realized that we were "called" to adopt and His ways are not our ways. 'It's not about us' became our mantra.  We switched to the Ethiopia program and found two precious biological sisters on the Waiting Child List (ages 6 and 3 yrs). Our older daughter is HIV+. God had totally different plans for us on this adoption journey and we couldn't be happier!! I am even a stay-at-home mom now which would have been completely out of the question had we not trusted in Him. God takes situations that seem impossible and makes them possible. That way He gets all the credit. 

While in Ethiopia we were able to meet the biological parents of the girls, who are both HIV+ and unable to care for them. They told us that we were the answers to their prayers!"

Great fundraising idea!

Looking for unique ways to raise money for your adoption? For your orphan care ministry? We are always so amazed at the unique, fun, innovative ideas that we hear about!

One of our church fund partners, Kentwood Community Church in Kentwood, MI holds an annual Easter flower fundraiser. This is the 2nd year and continue to be AMAZED at how God uses this fundraiser! The flowers are purchased from a local retailer at a discounted price and church members purchase the flowers in honor/memory of a loved one. The proceeds from the sales are then used to fund the KCC adoption fund with Lifesong.

The flower fundraiser is a great way to let your whole church know that we have a fund and that you are helping families.  Then, God draws hearts into it and called some people to generously give.  Amazing!"

This has been a GREAT way for KCC to inform families that they are helping to bring down the financial barrier to adoption as well as raise funds for the account. This year, God moved BIG and provided $13,794 for their adoption assistance fund! Praise God!

 Their stage looks so beatiful with all these flowers!

We are so excited that you are all safely home...

Dear Lifesong,

My wife and I would like to express our heartfelt thanks for your concern and support of our recent adoption of two children from Ethiopia. When we originally applied for a matching grant from Lifesong, we had no idea that we would incur many unforeseen expenses. Your generous grant was an enormous blessing and help to us.

Thank you for your continued love and care for God's orphans in the world. We praise and thank God for your willingness to stand behind and aid families in their journey to provide homes to these precious children.

Sincerely,

The Coffman Family

Running with Purpose...

David and Adam are bringing a whole new meaning to the term, "hard core".

This year, they are training to participate in the Beast Series which consists of seven ultramarathons which range from 31 to 100 miles in length. 

Why?!, you may ask. 

They obviously have a passion for the sport...but that's not all.  They have a deep passion for the fatherless and have committed to help raise money through their races to help adoptive families, who share that passion.

Partnering with Lifesong for Orphans, Run for Orphans' goal is to raise $100,000.00 in 2010 which will be used as matching grants to faciliate the adoption of 20 children.

Check out this video...

To learn more about Run for Orphans and how you can help, visit their website.

Connecting Hearts with the Forgotten

Connecting Hearts with the Forgotten, a team in the Bloomington/Normal, IL area is hosting a FREE orphan care and adoption conference on Saturday, February 20, 2010.

To register, click here.