Big Build in Nashville, TN

It was an amazing experience to serve Dorsell, a widow and family in need, with our newly adopted children by our side.  It was James 1:27 brought to life for the Bojar family!"

Jim Bojar, volunteer

On April 16th, a group got together in Nashville, TN, along with founder, JT Olson and his wife, Sara, to serve Dorsell, a local widow.  Through this project not only was Dorsell served by the hands and feet of Jesus, but the money raised will go directly to serving orphans, whether it be through indigenous orphan care or helping families adopt!  Check out their video, or go here to find out more.

 

Family Friday (on Monday!): Tom and Tiffini

Tom and Tiffini adopted two brothers from Ethiopia, Lukas and Yakob. (look at those smiles!)

Here, Tiffini shares a little of their story:

I had been praying about adopting for 3 years.  However, my husband was not feeling the same call from the Lord.  So, I waited and prayed.  In November of 2009 God moved my husband's heart at a church men's retreat.  He made it clear to us both that now was the time to adopt... siblings!

We started the process immediately, but when we found out how high the cost of adopting siblings was, I admit that I experienced some fear and panic.  But even though we did not have the money we knew that God had called us to this.  So we moved forward, trusting that God would provide.

When I found out about Lifesong and Both Hands I was so excited.  This idea was straight from God!  My husband and I were both sure that this was God's answer and His way of providing for us.  We told family and friends and applied to Lifesong to begin a Both Hands project.

Totally unexpectedly, on February 22nd, the same day I sent in our applcation to Lifesong, we received a referral of two precious little brothers... only two weeks after getting our paperwork done!  Wow.  We were overwhelmed and so amazed of God's plan.

But wait.  Now we had to come up with a huge chunk of money much sooner than we'd expected.  I contacted Lifesong and told them our story.  We no longer had time to complete a Both Hands project.  Our need was immediate.  On March 4th I was contacted by Lifesong to tell me that an anonymous donor had promised a $4,000 matching grant to our family!

We immediately began sending out fundraising letters and within 3 weeks the Lord had provided the entire $4,000 in donations!  Not only that, but donations continued to come, and in the end almost half of our adoption expenses were covered as a result!

Lifesong was extremely instrumental in making our adoption a possibility.  We cannot express our gratitude.  Looking back on this experience, we saw God's hand move in miraculous ways over and over again.  May He get all the glory!

Thanks Tom and Tiffini!  Lifesong is blessed to be a part of your story!

You can read more on their blog HERE!

Living James 1:27

I thank you so much for this opportunity to do this project.  Even if we weren't adopting I would love to be a part of something like this.  I thank you for helping us to see what living James 1:27 looks and feels like.  God has done amazing things for me today and He used us to bless Dorothy.  She was an amazing lady to serve and I pray that our relationship can continue after today. -Susan, Adoptive Mother

What a blessing it was to receive this email yesterday from a family in the process of adopting. They had their Both Hands project over the weekend and were amazed by the experience!

If you've never heard how Both Hands was started, I'd encourage you to watch the video below!

Both Hands Video from Lifesong for Orphans on Vimeo.

Both Hands: how it all began...

We've highlighted Both Hands projects before (check here and here) and this ministry has been such a valuable addition to Lifesong for Orphans.  But do you know how Both Hands came about in the first place?  Here's a word from the founder, JT:

The idea for Both Hands came as the result of a simple letter to a friend. I wrote to ask if he’d sponsor me while I golfed. The funds would go to a wonderful ministry for women in crisis pregnancies. My friend sent my letter back with a handwritten message saying that he’d gladly support my efforts if I was working on a widow’s house instead of playing golf.

For five years that letter stuck with me, until another friend, who was adopting four children from Moldova, expressed his need to raise funds to pay for it. That’s when the idea for Both Hands grew legs. We recruited other friends, found a widow’s house in need of repairs, got local businesses to donate supplies and food, and hundreds of people sent in checks to sponsor the workers that day. It was a day I will never forget! We raised enough money to put a dent in my friend’s adoption expenses, and totally transformed Miss Lucille’s house: Success story numbes one and two!

JT Olson, Founder of Both Hands

And just for kicks I'm going to share one of my favorite BH videos that was created about a year and a half ago.  *warning* this one makes me cry every time I see it, so be on guard... it's a tear jerker.  

The cool thing for me is that this fall I had the opportunity to go with JT to interview the Twetens and meet their little boy Sam, who they'd just brought home from Russia.  (unfortunately that footage isn't ready for viewing but maybe it will be a future Family Friday feature... you liking the alliteration?)

(I know you're all wondering) What was my favorite part?  I got to ask Sam a little question and he answered back... all in Russian!  Melt my heart!  Now, understand that I don't speak Russian well, certainly not enough to have any sort of conversation... but just enough to ask a simple question and understand a simple answer.  It was a bonding moment... if he remembers it... which he probably doesn't.

Anyway... enjoy the video!

Not Your Ordinary Sunday...

Adopt an Orphanage from Lifesong for Orphans on Vimeo.

Since it was first introduced to the US in 2003, Orphan Sunday has continued to grow. Today the Christian Alliance for Orphans provides a wealth of resources and stories atwww.orphansunday.org, hopeful to inspire the church towards caring for the fatherless. May we, in our wealth, reflect God's heart to those who need it most.

At Lifesong for Orphans, we want to help inspire you to take action this Orphan Sunday. How can you be a part of this movement? Host a prayer group. Teach a Sunday school lesson. Encourage your pastor to preach about orphans. Host a gathering or lecture at your college campus. Take part in a Both Hands project. Serve Gobena coffee at your church. Launch an adoption fund or Adopt an Orphanage program at your church.  Orphan Sunday Partnership Packages are provided online for more ideas and help on how to utilize resources provided by orphan care ministries throughout the country.

November 7, 2010 marks another Orphan Sunday. Another day to focus on the "least of these." Another day to give voice to the voiceless. Another day to bring awareness to the church and inspire action towards a solution. Don't let this day pass without you. 

We have all been adopted into Christ's royal family. Just as we cannot imagine the Gospel without salvation, we cannot tolerate a Christianity that does not welcome the orphan into the family of Christ. On Orphan Sunday, join us to demonstrate the validity of the Gospel through our love for the widow, the poor and the orphan.  

Keith Swartley, Team Leader, Caleb Resources