adoption Archives

Focus’ Wait No More Kentucky Event on Nov. 12 to Feature Linkin’ Bridge

There will be a special guest at Focus’ Wait No More event in Shepherdsville, Kentucky on Nov. 12.

Linkin’ Bridge, the vocal group who made it to the finals in America’s Got Talent’s 11th season earlier this year, will be performing for the 800 attendees looking to learn more about – and possibly start – the process from adoption from foster care.

If you’re not familiar with the group, watch their America’s Got Talent audition:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5-I28L4MUk

Foster care is certainly an issue that touches the band directly, as singer Shon China Lacy spent time in the system when he was 7 years old and his mother was in prison.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: adoption, events November 9, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Why Country Singer Jimmy Wayne “Speaks Up for the Kids”

“I dreamt many times of making it and getting in front of a crowd and playing music.”

That’s a lofty vision for any kid who’s alone with a guitar and dreaming his empty bedroom will someday become an audience of thousands. But country singer and songwriter Jimmy Wayne still believed.

That was no small accomplishment given his tumultuous childhood, which didn’t exactly teach him life was filled with possibilities.

His mother was bipolar and wasn’t receiving proper treatment, so Jimmy never knew what her behavior might be on any given day.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: adoption, broadcast, faith November 1, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Why I Have a Heart for Orphans

I have a heart for orphans. My own story is a vital piece of the puzzle why.

My folks divorced when I was 5. I lost my mom to cancer when I was 9, and my dad died not long after. I was orphaned and spent about a year in the foster-care system.

I know what it’s like to go to bed each night wondering if someone loves you.

That’s a tough place to be.

But that desperate feeling is a familiar one for an estimated 140 million orphans around the world – a number almost too overwhelming to think about.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: adoption, broadcast September 8, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Should We Be Outraged By Al Trautwig’s Comments about Adoption?

Last night in Rio, American gymnast Simone Biles won the gold in Women’s individual all-around. It’s no wonder – she is the best in the world. For those of you not acquainted with Miss Biles, this video from The New Yorker will help, as will as this one from the New York Times:

But Biles’ amazing athleticism isn’t the only reason she’s been in the news lately.

On Monday NBC announcer Al Trautwig said that Biles’ parents aren’t her real parents.

Topics: Current Events Tags: adoption, news, pop culture August 12, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Blessing and Challenges of Adoption

Sometimes I can’t help but smile when people tell me they’re just not sure how the Lord wants them to serve. “Lord, what do you want me to do with my life?” they’ll repeatedly pray.

I grin because, regardless of whatever unique and specific calling God may place on each of us, He’s already communicated many things that He expects from all of us. One is found in Scripture nearly 50 times: to care for the widow and the orphan (for example, James 1:27).

Topics: Family and Home Tags: adoption, broadcast, faith May 9, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Dr. Karyn Purvis, a Champion for “Children from Hard Places,” Dies at 66

Focus on the Family and many parents from around the world lost a dear friend to cancer yesterday.

Dr. Karyn Purvis, one of the most respected child advocates in the nation, developed effective research-based ways to help children with histories of trauma, abuse and neglect. She co-authored “The Connected Child: Bringing Hope and Healing to your Adoptive Family,” a best-selling book on adoption that’s one of the first resources our orphan care team recommends to families considering adoption.

Topics: Current Events Tags: adoption, parenting April 13, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

A Christmas Story For You

It’s Christmas time again, and I want to help you commemorate the birth of the Savior with a special Christmas story.

I think you’ll enjoy it, especially if you have children in the home. But before turning things over to our guest author and letting the tale speak for itself, I’d like to say a few words about how it ties into our ministry and why I think its simple message is so important.

During this season of celebration, we’re reminded that, for many of our friends, this time of year may not be as merry and joyous as it’s supposed to be.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: adoption, family, kids, pro-life December 16, 2015 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Is God Calling You to Adopt?

November is National Adoption Month.

Have you considered the role God might have for you to positively impact the lives of orphans?

If you answered no, you’re not alone. A lot of couples wrestle with whether or not they should adopt, or if there’s some other part they should play.

That was how Mike and Kristin Berry’s story began.

Kristin just assumed she and Mike would adopt children when they married. Adoption had been a legacy for Kristin’s family for decades.

Topics: Current Events Tags: adoption, broadcast, kids, parenting, pro-life November 9, 2015 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Two Ways to Help “The Drop Box”

After the national debut of “The Drop Box” we heard from many of you who were touched and influenced by the film. So for all of you who fell in love with Pastor Lee and the wonderful children he cares for, I want to share with you two ways you can help further promote the mission of the ministry.

1. Please vote and spread the word.

“The Drop Box” has been nominated in the Film/Television Impact category for K-LOVE’s annual fan awards.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: adoption, pro-life, promos May 5, 2015 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Why Are Christians Criticizing The Drop Box?

By nearly all accounts, the theatrical debut of “The Drop Box” was an unprecedented success, with more than 275,000 people attending the film throughout North America during its limited run.

In fact, we’ve heard from countless viewers who’ve expressed their appreciation via emotional and heartfelt testimonials. Some have told us the documentary inspired them to begin caring for foster children and start the adoption process. I can’t wait to hear their stories in the coming months and years.

Topics: Current Events Tags: adoption, events, faith, family, kids March 20, 2015 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura