Foster and Adoption Support

by Carrie Arnold

When you think of November you may think of chilly temperatures, football, or a delightful Thanksgiving meal, but did you know that November is National Adoption Month? National Adoption Month began in the U.S. in 1995 to raise awareness of children who need permanent homes, both domestically and abroad. Last fall there were 437,283 children in foster care right here in America, many of whom still need a permanent home (US Dept. of Health & Human Services). Worldwide, 153 million children are orphans in need of a “forever family” (UNICEF).

These numbers are alarming and heartbreaking! Now more than ever, we must be His hands and feet. At Gateway Church, we are working to fulfill the calling in James 1:27, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world”. Gateway is a church who wants to support orphans, families, fostering, adoption, and respite care. A movement within the church has recently been catalyzed, and we are excited to be hosting an Orphan Care Awareness Event taking place at Gateway on Friday, November 22 from 6:30-8:30 pm. All are welcome to attend, even if you just want to know how to support or love on those who are fostering/ adopting, join us!

As you walk through the month of November and the joy of autumn, remember this is National Adoption Month. Please pray for the orphans in our world, who are made in God’s image, and for direction from the Holy Spirit on this call to serve. Check out the video below to see how some others at Gateway are answering God’s call. If you would like to connect with others who are adopting or fostering or are looking for a way to partner with them, join the Foster and Adoption Support group in Gateway Community.