Alright Friends, I need your advice!!
So, I just ran our idea of sending a letter to friends and family past my mother…and she didn’t agree with the idea…
Ugh, I’m so torn. She thinks that this is our decision and that we should foot the bill…all of it. This is what I’ve been concerned about all along…
As said before, I only want to do what would be pleasing to the Lord. Does this seem cheap, off-base, selfish?
I’m coming from a biblical stand point. That, as Christians, we are called to take care of widows and orphans. Some of us are not called to adopt but can help financially. Sending out a letter, (1) to inform our friends and family of our plans, and (2) allowing them to play a part in this major part of our lives only enables them to help advance the Kingdom.
I’m so torn, almost to the point of being sick to my stomach. I know that we don’t have the money to foot the entire bill. I know that God has called us to adoption. I know that God works through his people. I know that He will do amazing things if we allow him….and I don’t know what to do!
Any advice (and prayers) would be great!!!
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Christie ~ We had the same struggle with whether or not to send a letter. We got some great advice from our pastor. He said his father does mission work, & his philosophy is you knock on every door necessary to do what you’ve been called to do. It is hard b/c money is a sensitive issue for many people. We ended up sending a letter. We have been surprised by who has not responded, & even more surprised by who has. The people that have stepped into our journey with us financially have expressed great joy in being able to be a part of this b/c it’s something they believe in but cannot do themselves.
If you want to email me (you can do that through my blog), I would be happy to send you a copy of the letter we sent. It’s not fancy, but I didn’t over think it. I prayed & wrote from my heart.
We are also in the process of putting together a benefit concert, & I can share with you some other ideas from other people.
Above all, DO NOT GIVE UP. It is definitely a faith walk, but it’s amazing how God provides for those who commit their hearts to the journey.
Christie,
I linked to your blog from Katie’s blog (Kisses from Katie) only because you noted that you had been to our home church (Brook Hills) and heard our pastor (David Platt). When I read this post, I had to offer you my personal thoughts….esp. after having sat under David’s teachings for the past 3 years. You are correct….we are ALL responsible to care for the orphans and the widows and that will look different in each of our lives. Some are called to the mission field, some are called as house parents, some are called to adoption, some are called as sitters to the lonely, etc. And some are called as GIVERS….the ones who underwrite those who go, those who adopt, those who sit, those who live in other contexts, etc. It is not your job to determine who goes or who gives, but it is your job to be obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit. So, if the Holy Spirit leads you and your husband to send letters, then ask Him to show you who to send them to. And then do it. However, if He tells you not to send letters, then don’t. The Lord knows your financial need… and your desire for adoption….He has a plan….trust Him….
I know it’s after the fact, but asking your family and friends to be a part of changing a child’s life for quite possibly eternity, with funds that in the big picture is given to us, to be stewards of for meeting needs in His kingdom. Oh sweet friend, don’t be anxious or doubtful.
I spent the morning with a wonderful friend who has a daughter from China and is currently adopting from Korea…we were talking about the current changes with Ethiopia and I was sharing concerns about the gut wrenching jump in prices we will be facing if E doesn’t make it home before our move. She chuckled and said with a huge smile, “it’s all just a tool, what better way to use it.” So true, money will always come and go….children finding their way to eternity in the arms of a loving mommy and daddy. Can one truly put a price tag on that…..
go for it!