Adoption

I wanted to post about something on my heart. I know that some times people are looking for 'end of the year' places to give money. They want an extra 'charitable deduction' on their taxes, or whatever. Well, today I wanted to mention a possibility for you to consider.

There are two families, whom I've come to know through our church and the IHOP community down here, and they're both adopting.....and frankly need lots of money to make it happen! But, the reality is...these families are missionaries at the International House of Prayer and don't have a lot of money. But, what they do have is a love for God and a love for what is on God's heart.....orphans! If their bank accounts were as big as their hearts...they'd be millionaires. I have followed the blogs of these families and am continually challenged by their willingness to sacrifice their time, their comfort -- all the 'American pleasures' of life -- for the sake of a greater call. For the sake of children, that need a forever home. Children who were either meant for abortion, or children whom no one wants.

Currently, these two families have both stepped out in faith to pursue adoption -- not really knowing where the funds are going to come from -- but just allowing their hearts to lead them and trusting God in the process.

Derek & Renee Loux : http://thelouxfamily1.blogspot.com/ You can read their story and get to know this amazing family. But, basically they already have 2 biological children and 3 adopted children. Now, they are in the process of pursuing adopting 3 little boys with various 'physical and mental issues'. To a 'regular' person you stand back and are like, "What?!" But, then you hear the story and it grips you to the core because you see their humility and their openness and willingness to be a vessel through whom God extends His love to these precious boys. Originally they'd only planned to adopt Sasha and Misha, but then they heard about Mikey being their really close friend and 'couldn't leave him behind'! Wow! When I read that I was so challenged about how much we preserve our 'American life' and our 'comforts' and here this family is 'putting feet to what they preach' and laying down their rights and comforts, to extend love and bring these children into a forever family. Derek and Renee have a huge vision for an Orphan Justice Center, too, and bringing children with major 'issues' into forever homes. I am humbled and challenged by their lives!

John & Tracie Loux: http://tracieloux.blogspot.com/ Tracie is one of the first people I met when we moved. She is amazing and has such a huge heart! This family is so great! She has such a passion for orphans and for helping people to be able to adopt themselves, and has become an adoption consultant. She was the one who helped Steven and Kristi, the family who recently stayed with us when adopting their daughter, Shiloh. Tracie works tirelessly to come alongside others and help them in the process. About 2 years ago, they adopted a precious little girl after having 3 of their own biological children. Little LiLi is adorable and it's so amazing to see this little girl bloom and blossom in a family who absolutely adores her! And, now they, too, are in the process of adopting little Aiden from overseas. He has down syndrome and has already worked his way into this family's hearts! They ache to be able to give him a forever home. One of the amazing things I see with this family is how much their biological kids are also 'into' this whole adoption process. Their oldest son, Nick, who is an amazing photographer, has decided he wants to help with the adoption fund and is now offering 'photography' sessions to help with the cost of this adoption. I mean....how many teenagers would sacrifice their own time to expend energy and work for the sake of a child across the world whom they've never met? I am amazed and challenged, too, by their obedience to the heart of the Father!

So, these are the two amazing families from here in KC. They are both hoping and praying eagerly to bring all four of these kiddos home soon. There is the constant nagging 'fear' that these boys will all be sent to the "Institution" soon if they are not adopted. Children do not do well there and often die young in those places. So, I ask you on behalf of these two families, and these four precious boys -- if you are looking for a place to give, here at the end of the year, please consider giving to these families so they can raise the needed thousands of dollars to give these precious boys a forever home! You can go to their individual sites and find more information on how you can give!

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." - James 1:27