whoa, them’s some mighty strong words

Don’t call yourself a Christian if you’re not caring for orphans and widows…how we treat orphans and widows is a litmus test of our spiritual life and our love for God.

Those are the words of Kay Warren, who spoke at Catalyst West a couple of days ago.  You can read more here and here.  She goes on to say that it’s not an option; it’s a command from God, as found in James 1:27 (NLT) “Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us.”.

She does point out that not everyone can/should adopt, but that every follower of Jesus has a responsibility to be involved in the care for and support of orphans.

I know that I used to gloss over that verse.  My attitude was something along the lines of, “well, I’m just one person.  I can’t do everything.  And I don’t even think I’m called to that ministry.”

To say the least, I’ve had a change of heart.  When I came in from my run tonight, Kim was talking with Sadie and Annabelle about our next adoption.  We’ve already got our dossier in Ethiopia, and we’re starting to build steam toward the day when our family grows again.

One of the fundamental pieces that God used to change my heart was a trip (followed by a commitment to go at every opportunity!) to the Dominican Republic.  God broke my heart for the boys and girls living without family.  Kay Warren points out that God is a relational God; orphanages are an institutional solution.  Now, the orphanage that we support in the DR is great.  It’s a loving, safe, Jesus-focused environment.  They are doing everything they can to give children an education, build their faith, and equip them for life as men and women of God.  I don’t ever want to say a discouraging thing about the men and women who run orphanages around the world.  But to say that an institution is a good alternative to a loving family is simply wrong.

Bernardo and Levi hanging close

I am so grateful that God broke my heart, changed my thinking, and re-routed my life.  Our kids are picking this up, as well.  Levi went with me a little over a year ago, and Lilly has been chomping at the bit to make her first trek to the Dominican Republic.  She knows those kids by heart, and prays for them.  She loves them without ever meeting them.  And this June she’ll get to put her love into action, hugging and playing and laughing and worshiping with her brothers and sisters in the Dominican Republic.

The DR doesn’t allow foreign adoptions, which is sad.  If they did, we’d be hard pressed to find enough beds in our house for the ones we’d love to bring into our family.

How does this hit you?  Do you have a heart for orphans?  What are you doing to show them love and care?  If you’d like to talk more about it, leave a comment, or shoot me an email.  And if you’ve never been to the Dominican Republic, I’d love to take you!