I began ministry to serve children - to lead them to become fully-devoted followers of Christ. As an added bonus, God gave me a heart for their families as well. Over the years, I've witnessed many families broken, healed, and some families created either through fostering or adoption.
Then...God did something weird - something very strange. He moved me out of children's ministry into administration and host team - leading adults, not kids. I embraced it, enjoyed it, and allowed it to penetrate my heart. I mistakenly thought that it replaced in my heart my passion for children. I even swiftly ran away from a few opportunities to re-enter the kids' ministry arena. Although I did turn from those opportunities, I think it was because my heart wasn't ready to break again for kids. Well...that's changing...again.
I applied for a job with a Christian foster care and adoption agency. I had always wanted to foster a child, but circumstances never seemed right. When married, my husband didn't agree with me about fostering. When I found myself single, it was all I felt I could do to raise the child that I had. So...I never jumped in with both feet - but I often thought about it and have lived vicariously through my friends who have taken that step!
As I began to pray and read more about foster care, I began to cry...no, not cry exactly but sob...for children. I have always been a "kid magnet." Somehow, God has gifted me to calm many otherwise inconsolable babies. He has allowed me to "coax" children into attending the church's children's program, even with their parents standing there filling their heads with "well, he'll NEVER go to kids' church." (BTW parents - your 2 year old understands you when you say things like that, and they'll fulfill your expectations of them by pitching a fit, every single time, just because you said they would.)
He has taught me to bend down on one knee and look a child in the eye.
He has broken my heart...it moans for them...it cries for them...it smiles for them.
I believe God moved me out of children's ministry for a reason - so that I could connect with and understand adults, so that I can share with them what their impact on children can be...no, MUST be.
Now - I am praying with all that is within me - Lord, move me! Let me have an impact not only on children, but on adults, so that together we can protect, provide and love kids that have been discarded by the world.
I continually thank God for all of the experiences He has given me. I'm praying...Believing...that He will allow me to help create families - with the ability to relate, lead and minister to adults, and with the heart that breaks for children.
PS You know how I LOVE YouVersion. Check out this 31-day devotion for Fostering Hope by Deb Shropshire.
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