Race and Adoption

Many wonder how the issue of race plays a part in adoption. To me it really is not an issue. God loves all; therefore, we are called to do the same. I have inserted my notes for tonight's sermon. It illustrates my personal opinion and I believe God's too. 

In our world today hatred is rampant. One group dislikes another because of the color of their skin, or because of some action. Life can be very complicated and emotions can get in the way of rational Christ-like thought. It may be portrayed that this hatred is new or is growing, but the culture which Jesus lived in had many issues as well. The Romans hated the Jews and the Jews hated the Samaritans. Jews were not suppose to walk through Samaria much less speak to one. John goes out of his way to recount the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman.

John 4:4-9 “He had to go through Samaria on the way. 5 Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. 7 Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” 8 He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food. 9 The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans.[b] She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink? Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” 11 “But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? 12 And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?” 13 Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. 14 But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”

There are two important lessons that Jesus teaches us here in this short story. First, Jesus is our example in race relations. God does not care the color of a person’s skin, the language or culture of a person, He cares about the heart. Those who spout that they are Christians and racists do not understand our loving and compassionate God. The second lesson we learn is that Jesus is the source of salvation. When you put the two lessons together, Jesus loves all peoples and wants all to come to Him for forgiveness. Our God is a loving God. Our treatment of those who are different from us shows how well we understand the character of Christ. How do you treat people? What if they look different, eat different, speak different, dress different, act different, or have different interests? Do you treat them all with the love of Christ? Christ loved you enough to save you. If He loves you this much, he loves the person sitting across the lunch room or the class room the same. Christ will not show up in your school, but you do every day. You are the Christ that they will see. How are you representing the one who saved you?

Gearing Up For the Wait

International adoption training is done. I learned so much valuable information. I am excited to move on to the homestudy process. I believe that God is preparing us for your arrival. Many adoption families compare the process to pregnancy. There are doctors appointments, waiting, preparations at home, waiting, name consideration, and more waiting. As the homestudy process comes to a close the waiting continues. It is like the third trimester. You know the child is coming but you're really not sure when. I can't wait to see the first pictures of you. Mom and I are praying that you will be a waiting child. Our hope is to have you sooner than 3 years. Every month we see a list of so many beautiful kids waiting for adoption. I pray for those kids. I pray that they will be adopted before we get our paperwork completed. There are so many children in the world needing a forever family we know that God will place you, the right child with us.

Love,
Daddy

Prayer Support

Working through your adoption process has put us in contact with so many that are also seeking to adopt. It is a wonderful connection that we all share. No other person understands the commitment, the paperwork, or divine vision that comes with adoption. It is wonderful to feel a part of the greater adoption family.

Today I am praying for one of those here in our church. It has been wonderful to see how God has placed such a great burden for orphans on her heart. Her willingness to accept children that may not otherwise be adoptable is an inspiration. She will make a wonderful mother.

Last week she received a call asking if she would be willing to accept a child with a heart defect or one that's mother has used drugs. After prayer and consideration she is willing to take either. It is our desire to have this beautiful child here in its forever home before Christmas. a referral could come very soon. We will continue to pray to that end.

Mom and I have been working through our training. We are so excited to see how God brings you to us, in His time.

We love you very much and pray for you everyday.

Love Daddy

God's Provision

It is amazing to see how God brings things together. Mom and I were looking over our paperwork the other day. We figured up how much we need and when. There is a bill that has to be paid for Gov. paperwork. We figured we need $830. The next day there was an $800 check in the mail. Today I went to the mail and there was a $600 check. God is awesome. I want you to know that God is behind your adoption. There is no question. He has placed the desire in our hearts to bring you into our forever family and He will provide for the cost. He is a great big wonderfully faithful God. He loves you more than mom and I ever could. Mom and I both feel an urgency to get this done. The sooner it's completed the sooner we will have you in our arms.

Love Daddy

The Father's Heart

Psalm 2:7 "The king proclaims the Lord's decree: 'The Lord said to me, 'You are my son. Today I have become your Father.''" NLT

The father's heart is to make sure none are fatherless. In a spiritual sense, it is God's will and desire for all to know and accept Christ as their personal Saviour.

1 Timothy 2:3-4 "This is good and pleases God our Saviour, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth." NLT

In a physical sense, it is also God's desire to protect and care for the fatherless. In the Old Testament guidelines were put in place by God to protect the widow and the orphan. James tells us that true righteousness before God is their care. It is my joy, hope, and privilege to proclaim you my child...whoever you turn out to be. God the Father knows your needs and cares for you. Since the beginning of time He has had in mind the day that mommy and I will claim you as our own. It is His divine will, it is His divine plan.

May the Father's heart comfort you. You do not even know yet that there is a mom and dad thousands of miles of way signing papers, raising money, and praying so that you will become our child. One day very soon I will be your father.

Love,
Daddy

Mission 1:27 Our Ministry, Our Heart

Imagine being two years old. Your mother takes you for a walk through the local market. Once in the crowds you turn and your mother is gone. She has left you forever. You do not know where you will go. You are not old enough to take care of your own basic needs. Imagine the fear that would grip your tiny heart. This is the story of a real child living in an island nation in the south pacific. Mission 1:27 exists because of him and 143,000,000 like him all over our world. Mission 1:27 is an orphan care and adoption ministry. Our purpose is to live James 1:27, “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress” NLT.


Our purpose is twofold. One, we want to be adoption advocates within the Assemblies of God (AG). It is our desire to answer questions, give support, and connect willing parents with Christian agencies. Two, we want to help our AG missionaries around the world provide for these children. We will partner willing churches and individuals with special projects within our orphanages, children’s homes, and ministries to street kids through our Adopt a Project program.

We are Kentucky District approved and are working toward national approval with the AG. Please contact us at info@mission127.com, 502-297-0056, or Mission 127, PO Box 99086, Louisville, KY 40269. For more information visit us at http://www.mission127.com/ (under development). Together we can touch the lives of children around the world.



For His Children,

Rev. Darren M. Lewis - Director

The Prayer

I have always loved the song titled "The Prayer". It is a beautiful song of inspiration and faith. I recently saw the music video performed by Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin (it is posted at the side). Through moving images the story is told of children seeking safety. This is a wonderful picture of an orphans life.

As I was reading in my Bible the other night, I was drawn to the 43rd chapter of Isaiah. This portion of scripture relates God's answer to "The Prayer".

Isaiah 43:1-4 But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom; I gave Ethiopia[a] and Seba in your place. Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.

God has given us the assurance that no matter what our situation He is with us. He will bring us through the trials of this life. What if we also read this scripture as a command from God? That we should seek to help those in need, to help bring them through the fire. These verses are my prayer for you! God is sufficient but He also uses human hands to perform great miracles. I with God will hold you in times of trial. With God I will go with you through the fire. With God I will ransom you from your situation and bring you freedom through Jesus Christ. Both in teaching you about Jesus' love for you and bringing you into our forever family. This is my prayer for you.

Love Daddy

Dear Friends and Family

Dear Friends and Family,

This week we have sent out a letter detailing our adoption experience. We did not have addresses for everyone we wanted to send to. As a part of that letter we are also asking for your help in bringing our child home. The total cost of our adoption will be around $20,000. Some funds are available in the form of grants and low interest loans once the homestudy is approved. In order to do that we must expend all other financial options including asking friends and family. If you feel that God would lead you to help in this way. Please send your donation to:

Mission 127 Adoption Fund
PO Box 99086
Louisville, KY 40269

Write 101 on the memo line.

Or donate securely by using the Paypal button at the side.

We greatly appreciate your willingness to help. You will have a part in our miracle.

For His Children,
Darren

Passion

Over the past few months God has given me such a passion for adoption. My heart is broken as I look over the waiting children lists. My eyes are opened as I hear stories of God's divine provision. I wake everyday wondering what God will accomplish today. Our new ministry "Missions 1:27" soon to be found at http://www.mission127.com/ is exploding. Email and phone calls from around the world are coming in to us and are going out from us. We are starting to develop the website and seeking national approval from the Assemblies of God. I believe God is blessing us with His favor as He orchestrates all of this.

This week we have completed our paperwork for the homestudy. We will soon begin our training classes. During this time we will also be raising money to help bring you home quicker and be working on the dossier process.

The greatest satisfaction we have in this life is finding the will of God and doing it. Adoption is His will for us at this time in our life. You are God's will for us. With passion for God's call we will move forward.

Love,
Daddy

Urgency

As I was praying for you this morning I felt a sense of urgency. I have no idea how all of the details of our lives will fall into place. I have no idea the time frame that God has in store for us.

Last night I read through several stories from adoptive families. They were very inspiring, heartwarming, and served as a reminder to expect the unexpected when you are living out God's plan. Several of these families thought they had years to wait and one day the phone rang and within a few weeks their child was home. One family had even planned on adopting internationally until their agency asked if they would be willing to take a child that was an hour away from them. The child was the age, sex, and race they had been seeking to adopt. God is awesome.

The testimonies and stories of others serve to inspire and encourage us in our journey. I hope that our story will one day be an encouragement to others as they see the hand of God moving in your adoption. God is a big God and He is in control.

I don't know what is ahead, but I know that it is going to be good.

Love,
Daddy