Okay…first let me say that I am a rookie on this subject. Even as I begin writing this I really don’t know what I am going to say or how I am going to say it (No comments from the Grandi or any other peanut gallery). 
Here goes.
I have said it before and have heard others say it as well: the church is way too often known for what we are against rather than what we are for. (Can I hear an AMEN to that?) Rather than being a positive force with positive ideas in this world, we have often come off as judgmental and negative. Let me give you just two examples: homosexuality and abortion. ‘Nuff said? My purpose in this post is not to debate the rights and wrongs of either issue. It is not to debate what the Bible says about either one. So, please…if you respond don’t even go there. (For the sake of wondering: yes, I do have definite beliefs about each). Both are hot buttons in our world today…sure to get someone or someones hot under the collar with veins popping out. But my point is that the church should offer a positive alternative approach to both of those issues. Some do. One alternative to the abortion issue is the one being talked about even more these days: adoption.
When I moved to pastor OVCF in November, 2005, I did not know the two couples who have taken positive action in this. They both soon began attending OVCF and I learned that both, almost at the same time, had adopted a little girl from China. Reed & Amy Elkins (Lucy) and Chad & Terri Dow (Annalei) both had sons, Mason and Dahlen (respectively), who welcomed their little sisters with love and acceptance. Lucy has had some health issues with a cleft palate but she is loved so much. It is fun watching her interact. She made me hurt the other day when she showed me how to do a split like the gymnasts do. Annalei is a little shyer than Lucy (least around me. Could it be me?) 
but it is so cool watching her be loved. Chad & Terri are now in the process of adopting another one-an 8 year old girl. I have seen pictures of her and all they are waiting for is “the word” to go get her. I could say more but I would prefer to let Terri say it. Please check our her blog here. They just had a reunion with 5 couples who made the same trip as they did. Check it out!
The Elkins’ and the Dow’s are just two couples whom I know who have taken a positive step to give love to a child who is “unwanted” in a society that says “one child.” I know there are others but these I know. Perhaps you are one of them. Do you mind telling your story? I would love to hear from you and so would others.
Afterword: Jo & I have talked about adoption but our age (I will soon be 58 and won’t tell you how much older she is than me) 
has halted that. But I also know another couple who has adopted a girl from China: my brother, Garry, and his wife, Deborah, adopted Lia in 2003. I regret that they live in Pennsylvania and we have always lived so far away and it has kept us from seeing her grow up. My prayers and a tip of the hat go to all of the couples who have taken a positive step and given adoption an option in their lives.
Hi cycleguy,
I’m not sure that the church has to have a positive alternative response to some of society’s ills, ailments and sins apart from the message of a ‘new creation in Christ Jesus’. Offering an alternative to abortion is good, because a human life is at stake.
Since my wife and I are adoptive parents, I appreciate your highlighting these making positive steps. It’s a huge commitment of course, but for me, I understand the heart of the Father so much better.
I would also add that while it is amazing that many are able to adopt from China. There are so many kids needing parents in the U.S. as well (especially African-American kids). It’s a huge need that I hope more and more people will explore and respond to. Thanks Bill!
Jason: thanks for sharing your adoption with others. I am also glad you brought attention to children from the U.S. I hope many will have your heart.
Linda: I agree that we can’t possibly offer an alternative to every ill. the only truly alternative is Christ. But when we can we need to do so. I see adoption as one of those we can do.
Ethan is 5 and we can’t have more kids because of the risk to April. Adoption is something that we have not ruled out. It’s not the season for it yet…but someday it very well may be. Thank you for sharing.
Michael: as sensitive as you and April try to be to God’s voice, I am sure you will know when that season is. Prayers are said for you every day.
This is always a timely reminder. May I add my prayers and tip of the hat to adoptive parents as well as all of the foster parents, orphanage workers, child advocates, and people who have set there career path on childhood issues.
A couple of years ago my organization partnered with a church and a grandmother that was faced with taking care of 3 abandoned grandchildren or allowing them to be split up through the foster care system.
She lived in a substandard 1 bedroom house but was adamant about not having the children split up. With volunteer labor, generous cash donations and a gov’t program her one bedroom house became 3 bedrooms, energy efficient and adequate.
She is surrounded by people that support her, get the children what they need, including involved in the youth programs at the church.
Godly people are incredible.
I forgot to add the grandmother filed for and got to adopt the children so as to prevent future difficulties with the wayward parents.
WOW Jeff what an awesome story! I am grateful for your organization. You do bring up a good point also. I didn’t mention the people you mentioned-foster parents, etc. They are no less important in advocating child protection. Sounds like the grandmother is doing well.
We appreciate the prayers Bill. they come your way as well.
Thanks Michael
I have several friends who have adopted – one couple has adopted two children from Russia and another couple a child from China. I got to do the child dedication of Nate from China – He was 7 when adopted. During his dedication I leaned down and explained to him how his parents choose him out of all the children. His little face lit up ( I am getting teary thinking of it again) and I explained why they named him Nathanial it means “God has given” and how they saw him as a gift from God. It was a fun and awe inspiring service.
Adoption is an awesome thing and a real blessing.
Thanks for sharing!
No…thank you for sharing your story Jim. What a perfect opportunity for telling him how special he was.
Truly those couples you mention and several of the comment-ees have truly embraced the “Spirit of Adoption” that comes from Father God. God bless them all! I have seven kids but I have “adopted” several spiritual sons and daughters into our family life. Sometimes I think my house is a way station for hurting folk.
You are right of course, the Church must provide solutions to tough issues not just opposition.
Love your spirit jay, especially “adopting” the spiritual sons and daughters. We (church) needs to be part of the solution not the problem.
I think sometimes church’s are too vocal with their criticisms about these issues.
And I think we should be like most of the people here commenting. We need to show love. Focus on the positive. I appreciated the honesty of this post.
Agree totally Duane. Thanks.