Orphan Sunday

Our church began Revival today....on Orphan Sunday!  :)  We were blessed with a message from Bro Daron about "Serving"!  How ironic!  Ron let us share a brief message at the end of the service to (hopefully) inspire everyone to continue to recognize that November is National Adoption Month.

Bro. Daron - We're looking forward to a return visit and even more excited to be able to visit their church soon!  

Joy and I were blessed to share and present a message during Children's Moments this morning.  So, that is what I want to share with you today.  Surely, if our children can wrap their minds around what we shared it will sink in with some adults.  ;)  I know it did with several of the adults in our congregation.

We know that God made His world perfect.  He designed it to be just what He wanted, and just what we needed.  Because we know God doesn't make mistakes, right?!  There are enough basic resources such as food and water in our world to feed the entire population of the world.  God has children all over the world and we know He loves us all just the same.  But for some reason all those resources aren't being shared with everyone in the world.  We know we should share, our parents teach us about sharing.  

We talked about how much money a BILLION dollars is.  And of course the kids said, "that's a LOT OF MONEY!"  We explained that it would take 13 billion dollars a year to provide basic nutrition to all the starving people in the world today.  That seems like a lot doesn't it?

But do you know what Amercian Christians spend just on bottled water each year? 

3 BILLION dollars.

American Christians spend 4 BILLION dollars a year on Makeup!  (ugh....we all do it ladies!  Fess up.)

We spend 7 billion on sporting events.  

We spend 11 billion on coffee.

13 billion on our pets.

20 billion on soft drinks.

21 billion on cable TV.

Each time for each statistic we counted out play money for the children (1 dollar was 1 billion) and provided them with an object to represent each thing.  (a bottle of water, a bag of makeup, football, movies for the cable tv, a dog food bag from our puppy at home).

We spend EVEN MORE than all that money put together on eating out each year.....105 BILLION.  (a pizza box and a happy meal container worked wonders).

How much did we need to provide food to the starving people of the world??  ONLY 13 billion.  

If we have so much, why do we give so little?  If we're spending 8 times as much money on just eating out as it would take to feed everyone in the world what is wrong??

The bible tells us in James 1:27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world."  We need to learn to look after others and serve the Lord, by serving His people.  ALL of his people, all over the world.  The things that we have that we don't necessarily need represent the world to the children.  

Then we prayed that God would help us to find ways to shine His light in the world by serving others.  By looking after orphans and widows by giving up something that we don't always need and using that money for others.  

Joy and I, Orphan Sunday 2010

I know I enjoyed sharing the message with the children and I know Joy loved our time too.  She made an AWESOME new video that we shared with the congregation at the end of the service and we shared a little bit about JHAM (Joint Heirs Adoption Ministry).  Our orphan advocacy ministry that we began over a year ago is still going strong.  We will continue to advocate for the orphan.  We pray that you will find ways to do the same and serve others for Christ.  

Our biggest cheerleader!  Jia!

 I'll share Joy's video with you very soon!  We will be speaking out (more than normal! lol) the rest of the month to recognize National Adoption Month!  

National Adoption Month

Choose to give HOPE.....

Hope is Fading – Orphan Sunday from Allan Rosenow on Vimeo.

† Where Does the Time Go?!

I apologize for the absence! Sometimes life just gets too hectic for us and blogging can tend to take a back seat. I encourage everyone to continue with the 40 days of prayer. The list can be found on the orphansunday.org website. I know we've all been praying everyday for God's children, we don't need a list, but it's got some pretty good topics to share your heart with God about.

Now.... onto our latest share! We've recently received a couple of donations that were very surprising but greatly appreciated! We said it was our dream to become a non-profit and I think the Lord is leading our steps in that direction without us even knowing it. It's such a blessing and very exciting to know that we will be able to help a family bring their child home. We don't know who that is right now, or when that is..... but God does. And we wait for his guidance with our organization and all the red tape.
We'd also like to encourage you to check back in the next day or so as we're going to be posting links to some awesome stuff! You'll be able to do your Christmas shopping from the blog!!! Something for everyone, and the best part of all..... the proceeds will help families and orphans all over funding their adoption expenses. God is good. We give Him all the praise, glory and honor for our many blessings.

† Orphan Sunday • Day 9

Was an incredible day. Joy, Melinda and I have worked so hard to bring this day together with our open house and sharing with the community what we had planned.

We started our day at First Assembly where we were invited to speak. The message given by Pastor Randy was awesome. I was so impressed that we made such an impact on his heart and his church that he shared a message devoted to God's heart for the orphan and widow. It was a perfect morning spent with family and friends.
We were just a bit nervous to say the least but people told us we did a great job and thanked us for coming. It really means a lot that Pastor Randy invited us to speak at First Assembly.

My son Tyler loved this slide from the overhead presentation during the sermon.

Pastor Randy Cowart at the open house. My son loves taking pics when people least expect it. :)

Once we left the church we headed to the Open House to set up and decorate. There was a LOT to do. We had lots of help (our boys are big boys), the kids helped move tables and chairs, Joy's mother had made cookies for us and helped decorate, my mom was there to help and let us use her 'yearly' employee use of the center for our event. We didn't have to pay for a space this way and really appreciated it more than she knows. My daughter helped set up displays and Cindy (our friend) was kind enough to do some babysitting duty while we worked. Everything could not have been done without the help of these people. :)
When you entered our event the first thing you saw was the guest book and a poster with our pictures and the proclamation from the mayor. Since we've only been working together for about a month this is us... we will be building a scrapbook soon from our times spent together and our advocating activities! :)
We collected information from various agencies and sponsorship advocates over the last month. We had a whole row of tables dedicated to adoption agencies for international adoption and sponsorship through World Vision and Life Connection Mission (our trip to Haiti) and had pictures and items from our trip displayed.

We had a row dedicated to domestic services and foster care/foster adoption where a specialist from Family Services set up. We enjoyed having Becky with us.
We had a 'coffee house' with a lending library where visitors could sit, enjoy coffee and cookies and check out books that we have collected through our own research and reading. My favorite area was the Christmas area where you could shop from the Christmas Tree of Hope, share in our donation jar or make purchases through World Vision for children around the world. Unfortunately my photographer son forgot to get a pic of that side of the room! lol :) I didn't want to worry about pictures yesterday so some of the things I wanted got missed, but we still have great shots from our event.
We worked really hard and enjoyed spending the day together with our families and a few friends. We missed Melinda and are keeping her and her family in our thoughts and prayers. I'm sure she'll be able to join us soon.

Joy & Jia

Being our only 'officially' adopted sweetheart Miss Jia was the star of the show! The kids all enjoyed playing with her and so did a few of us adults!!! She's precious to say the least! My kids even said they discovered their new 'favorite 3 year old'. She just makes you happy! Her momma would tell you how incredible she is and what an impact she has had on their lives. But I can tell you she's made an impact on so many more people that her little heart realizes. We ♥ u Jia!

Tyler & Jia
And look.... my daughter who favors little boys fell in love with Jia yesterday. Maybe a little sister isn't out of the question. ;)

Then, before our day came to an end we had a pleasant surprise. Ron & Beth Tucker showed up with little Lucy Lu!!! We totally forgot she mentioned wanting to come and meet us and see the open house. Her and her husband drove about 2 hours to come to our Open House. Beth and Joy met through the internet while researching the special needs they had in common with Jia and Lucy. It was so nice to meet them and visit for a while. Lucy is totally adorable too and we loved watching all the kids playing together. When God tells us to become like little children it's so true. Something we need to remember as our kids remind us it doesn't matter where you come from, how old or young you are, or what color your skin is.... we're all God's children. He loves us all the same and the least we can do is to love one another.

Joy, Jia, Jory, Beth & Lucy Lu
Beth and Lucy Lu - We ♥ You!

We had no idea what to expect for our open house but we know God has a plan for us. If only one person was introduced to adoption that will make a difference yesterday and provide hope for God's children then our work was well worth it. We hope everyone else that had an Orphan Sunday event had a terrific day and maybe we all played a part in changing the life of orphans around the world. Thank you to everyone that made our event possible and promoted it for us!

What did you do yesterday? Share your Orphan Sunday event or link in the comments section please!! We'd love to see!

• Day 9 of Prayer •
Today, pray that God would break the heart of your city’s pastors with the plight of orphans. Ask that He would convict them to lead their churches to pray, go, and love in Jesus’ name.

† National Adoption Month • Day 6

• Day 6 • Today, ask the Lord to help your church family to live out Proverbs 31:8. "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute."

† National Adoption Month • Day 5

We will have a live webcast of Steven Curtis Chapman during our Orphan Sunday event. Check out the 'personal invitation' from SCC himself. :)

SCC Invities You to Join in on Orphan Sunday from Show Hope on Vimeo.

• Day 5 • Today, pray for the fatherless in your community. Ask the Lord to care for them and to protect them and to defend them and keep them safe.

† National Adoption Month • Day 4

The following is a documentary, "I Am Because We Are", that was shared with me from another bloggy friend. It does take some time to watch, but so worth it. Just when I thought I knew what we were up against with our mission my heart was touched even deeper. Please find some time to sit and view this video. Even if you have to set aside 15 to 20 minutes here and there. Look beyond the fact that a celebrity is bringing it to your attention. Don't let the focus be on her, unless you ask yourself why is she the one doing this instead of so many others....including ourselves. The photography and stories are stunning and inspiring, yet they will shock you and tear at your heartstrings. Allow yourself to see the urgency to simply love. Please find time this week to watch "I Am Because We Are".

I know the girls' (Joy and Melinda) have their hearts in China and Guatemala. For good reason, that is where God has called them. Mine is in Haiti and Africa. I'm just wondering what He has in store for me there... I wait for His timing for the answer. Wherever God calls you, please follow. It may be one of these countries, it may be in your own backyard. God's people, needing us, are all around.

• Day 4 •
Today, ask the Lord to help your church congregation to feel His heart for the orphans as seen in Psalm 68:5-6 "A Father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families..."

† National Adoption Month • Day 3

• Day 3 •
Today, ask God that of the 2 billion Christians in the world, 7% would show hope to a single orphan, looking after the child in their distress. Ask the Lord to convict the church around the world that if we did this, there would effectively be no more orphans. Ask the Lord to show each of His followers that we can each do something.

† National Adoption Month • Day 2

Promo for "3 by 3 by 3" Documentary from David Watson on Vimeo.

The video from the Weimer family can also be found on their blog Blessings from Ethiopia. What an awesome family.

• Day 2 •
Today, pray for your pastor to have guidance and provision as he seeks to follow the Lord's commands to care for orphans.

† National Adoption Month • Day 1

It's officially November 1st and National Adoption Month!! How exciting! I wonder how many people will choose to follow God's call to adopt this month. How many people will have their lives changed forever. I wonder how many orphans will find the love and security of a forever family this month. How I hope and pray that God places it on many MANY hearts in the coming weeks. Over the next 40 days we will be sharing a 40-day prayer guide for orphans. I encourage everyone who reads this to commit to doing the daily prayer request. Gather with a friend or two, people from your congregation or your own children and offer up the prayers. Matthew 18:20 tells us where two or three have gathered together in my name, I am there in their midst. Together we can change the lives of God's children around the world.

• Day 1 •
Today, pray that the Lord would give you a personal sense of responsibility for the next 40 days (and beyond) for praying for orphans, your pastor, your church, and your community. Ask Him to break your heart for the orphans. Ask that He would help you to see orphans with His eyes and His heart. Ask Him to use this 40 days of prayer to change you and your church.

National Orphan Sunday is only one week away! We're looking forward to an awesome opportunity to speak out for orphans! And for anyone who is also hosting an event we pray and wish you much success! God Bless.

† Check Us Out!!

It's been a good week for JHAM! First the radio signing and today Joy and I met with our city mayor, Cathie Smith to sign a proclamation for our city to recognize November as National Adoption Month! Woo Hoo!!!! After our broadcast on the radio station they have been using bits and pieces of our recording for public service announcements. How cool is that?! Joy got the chance to go back to the station to record even another PSA. It's brought attention to our cause in ways we never expected. We've had individuals send text messages, offer commercial space for a 'headquarters', individuals coming to us showing their interest. It's completely amazing. We've even had individuals share with us that they themselves were adopted and thought what we were doing was terrific. That to me is something.
I think decades ago adoption was not considered or if you did adopt it was taboo. You didn't discuss it and people had a different view of adoption than they do now. I like living in the now!!! After our little visit with the mayor Joy had to go back to work and I had most of the day to spread the word. I started delivering information to area churches and presenting pastors with a letter, brochures, flyers and a CD with a slideshow to share with their congregation. To plead with them to share the message on orphan Sunday and invite their churches to the open house. I just know, like Joy has said that there are people in our community that God is about to call to adopt. He is about to open their hearts and their lives to an indescribable joy they never imagined. We're excited to be a part of it!!! Here is the video that Joy made for our ministry. Enjoy!

We're movin' movin' movin'!!!! We missed Melinda this morning very much but were so happy to bypass this milestone. Joy and I were discussing earlier this week that we must really, REALLY be onto something here. A real movement that pleases our Lord more than we can imagine. There are great things in store for us because the devil is doing everything he can to attempt to prevent our work. Deaths in our families, sick kids, sick spouses, possible job loss in our families. It just keeps coming. But we aren't disturbed by this. As Joy loves to say, "We're disturbed from complacency!" I just like that we're disturbed! lol :)

† Orphan Sunday

Mark your calendars!!!! November 8th is Orphan Sunday and JHAM will be hosting an open house to share information with our community and surrounding area to raise awareness of the orphan crisis!

We will have presentations from various organizations, informational packets from adoption agencies, speakers that range from agency reps to seasoned adoptive parents. We will even have profiles of waiting children that are available for adoption! You never know when a little face in a photo will steal your heart away! :o)

Date: November 8, 2009
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Grundy County Senior Center
Trenton, Missouri

Please come, share your foster/adoptive experience with others, or if you are interested in adoption pick up some information and contact numbers for those who can get your started on your journey to a new family with one of God's children. We look forward to meeting you!