New Ways to Support Adoption

God loves adoption. God’s love for the widow and orphan is a constant theme throughout both Old and New Testaments, where He identifies Himself as the “father of the fatherless and defender of widows” (Psalm 68:5-6). His justice and defense are often specifically connected with these vulnerable groups in special ways (Deuteronomy 10:18, Psalm 146:9, Proverbs 23:10-11, Matthew 25:40). As followers of Christ, we too are commanded to imitate our Savior and “defend the cause of the weak and fatherless” (Psalm 82:3, James 1:27, Isaiah 1:17, Deuteronomy 27:19, Zechariah 7:10, Proverbs 31:8).

One way Christians can care for orphans is through adoption, which brings those who do not have family to care for them into another family as heirs. This practical means of caring for the fatherless is the very picture that God uses to describe His relationship with all who love Him. As Christians, we “have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:15-17). Now, as adopted children through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:4-5), we too can “do good” (Isaiah 1:17) by supporting adoption at Trinity Presbyterian Church. Here are some ways you can become involved.

1. Give to Trinity. Thanks to the generosity of this church, the Deacons and Mercy Committee are pleased to announce new assistance available for Trinity members hoping to build a family through adoption. Did you know that many agency adoptions cost between $25,000 and $40,000? For many people, this makes adoption cost-prohibitive, despite the desire to build a family in this way. Now, based on a family’s income, significant financial support is available ranging from $8,000 to $12,000.
   
   
2. Support adoptive families. Adoption is beautiful, but also hard, messy, and born out of crisis. Did you know that many adoptive families at Trinity had to wait two to three years before having a child placed into their family though adoption? This is a time for friends, family, and small groups to support adoptive families in the waiting. As part of the new adoption support provided by the Mercy Committee, the applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from members of Trinity. In addition to your friendship and prayers, this is a tangible way to help make adoption a reality. Please consider providing this reference if you know someone in the adoption process.
   
   
3. Educate yourself. Adoptive families undergo a lot of education prior to their adoption placement. At baptisms, Trinity members vow to help parents raise their children, and this is a church that includes adoptive parents, adoptive children, birth fathers, and birth mothers. Therefore, it is important that you educate yourself on adoption too. Did you know that words are powerful and that the wrong language can hurt others in our body? You should know that adoptive children, especially those adopted internationally, may have difficult events in their past that are private. Also, it is good practice to acknowledge and affirm the adoptive family structure; for example, siblings, whether or not related by blood, are siblings once adopted into the same family. Consider checking out the book Adopted for Life by Russell Moore from the Trinity library to learn more about the particular challenges of adoptions.
   
   
4. Foster a community of adoption. We hope the actions above promote greater numbers of adoptions, but to truly foster a community of adoption, it is paramount to acknowledge the birth mothers and birth fathers. This includes honoring their bravery and courage in choosing life and providing a family for a child when they were unable. This means supporting individuals who are considering and/or who choose to make an adoption plan rather than parent, without judgment or stigma. As a congregation, we should know that birth mothers do not “give up” their children—far from it. Birth mothers “make an adoption plan” at great cost to them personally. It seems like a minor point to change the vocabulary, but it’s not. Also, consider checking out Trinity’s Adoption Support group’s webpage and mission to see how that group strives to build an adoption community.
   
   
5. Adopt. Lastly, if you feel called to adopt, reach out to learn more. Many Trinity families have adopted domestically and internationally. As mentioned above, the Mercy Committee wants to minimize the financial burden for you to adopt and to support you in other ways too. For more details and guidelines for receiving support, read this document. Still have questions? Contact Ryan Feaver.