What is the goal of foster care?
That’s a big question with a multi-faceted answer. We’re not all called to do the same thing, but we’re all capable of doing something. The ultimate goal is for every believer to feel empowered with a sense of calling and direction about their role.
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Cor. 12:4-7). The Apostle Paul is telling us that we all have different functions but the same purpose. Not everyone will open their home to a child, but there are still significant roles for other parts of the body of Christ.
There are approximately 350,000 churches in the United States and about 100,000 children who are looking for adoptive homes. That’s one child for every three churches.
Jason Johnson is a pastor and a director at Christian Alliance for Orphans. He encourages Christians to pray, “God, what’s my something?” Ask for clarity and be open minded. Maybe your something is opening your home to children. Your something could a business the Lord has blessed you with that allows you to financially support foster care efforts. Or maybe you have some other gift or talent that can be used in some way for the good of the whole.
May is National Foster Care Awareness Month. On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Foster Care: How Everyone Can Help,” Jason Johnson is sharing ideas to help those seeking ways to heed the Lord’s call to step into the world of adoption and foster care.
There are several opportunities to be involved. Adoption. Entering the foster system to make your home a temporary, safe, and loving place for kids. Or serving as a respite giver – helping foster or adoptive families with things like laundry, dinner, or babysitting.
Listen to our full conversation on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or on our free phone app.
If you’re wondering where to start or just need more information, visit our website Wait No More (or call us at 800-A-FAMILY). We’ll help you learn what you can do to step into the life of a foster child in the name of Christ. We estimate that over 4,000 children have been adopted out of foster care through our Wait No More program.
Jason Johnson and his wife, Emily, have been foster parents since 2012. Jason has written a book called Reframing Foster Care: Filtering Your Foster Parenting Journey through the Lens of the Gospel. It’s available for a gift of any amount. Visit our website or give us a call at 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
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