Melissa & her family
Robin and her family
Our first adoption from Guatemala was full of so much fear of the unknown . We felt very alone and unsupported in our process. We were surrounded by many who did not understand our call or our decision to add to our family in this way. We came to our church for financial help and were turned away, making us feel isolated from our own church body. We knew that this call was something that God was moving us to do, so we moved forward in faith, knowing that because of our obedience, He would provide us the funds.
We later met Mike and Melissa from our church who were moving forward with their call to adopt from China. We talked about the need for a ministry at our church that would support and encourage adoptive families on their journey. Knowing the overwhelming process of adoption and its costs deter most families from moving forward, we believed that it was important and came forward to our new pastor, outlining our idea of an adoption ministry. Much to our excitement he agreed that this was an important ministry and we moved forward with the creation of Mission Hope.
We have felt overwhelming support of this new ministry through the interest taken in our adoption bulletin board which tracks the progress of the families in the process of adoption and gives additional information. Also, the church has shown support for the fund raisers that have taken place. We have felt so blessed by the response from our congregation. Our informational night about the ministry was well received. The process of explaining the ministry and its purpose to our congregation enabled us to learn about other families who have been touched by adoption. It also allowed us to see that others saw this ministry as one of importance to our church and to the heart of God.
This second journey is one that will always remain close to our hearts. We have never felt so much love and support from our church community. It will always be something that we will treasure and what a joy it will be one day to let our children know that their church loved them so much that they helped to bring them home to our family. It truly is amazing to feel that embrace and to share with others who are feeling overwhelmed and confused by this process. Mission Hope is a ministry that has already touched many. We look forward to this ministry growing and are so excited to see the hearts and lives that God will touch through the love and support of a church that wants to follow where God leads.
Robin & Jeff
