It's Your Mission

Today, I received an email from Jane Ann - the volunteer director for Buckner saying that they are beginning to advertise the summer internships for 2011. She attached an application and said they are encouraging their past interns to apply again.

My heart wants to return to Kenya. So much.

Please join with me in praying about this. Also, if you are reading this and are 18 (and have completed one year of college or work experience after high school) or older - pray about applying! Maybe God wants YOU to step outside of your comfort zone and spend your summer serving His children.

If you haven't already, you can read about my experience this past summer as an intern for Buckner in Kenya here.

To make it even easier on you....here is the flier! You can find the application on their website here.    ;-)

And yes...I realize the flier kind of takes over the sidebar, but it was the only way it was readable - if you'd like me to email it to you instead, I'd be happy to!

To the ends of the Earth,

T

Why Love?

Your Role in Adoption

You might be thinking - "I don't feel God has called me to adoption" (in the sense of bringing a child into my family through legal processes) or "I'm single...I'm not even married; how could I adopt?" or "I'm just a kid - how do I fit in?"

If you understand the theology of adoption, you see that we are all called to the ministry of adoption and the care for orphans. We are considered the Body of Christ for a reason - it takes all parts and each part is equal and important.

Yes, some of you may adopt. And if you do - we should all gather around you in support and encouragement. It does indeed take a village - or rather the Church!

Practical ways you can support adoption/foster care:

• Are you a photographer? Offer a free photo session for either the family's adoption application or post-adoption to document their new addition.
• Financially savvy? Help an adoptive couple create a new budget in order to prepare for the cost of adoption. Be a resource for them - point them in the direction of organizations that financially support adoption. (www.abbafund.org provides interest-free loans for adoptive couples) 
• Take meals to a family for the first few weeks they have their child in their home. We do this with other families in our church with newborns - regardless of the age of the child, having a new son or daughter in your home can be hectic...who has time to cook?
• Baby-sit an evening a month so the parents can have a date night and continue to prioritize their marriage.
• Consider starting an adoption fund in your church.
• Sponsor a child that is in need of spiritual adoption. www.compassion.com www.worldvision.org
• Become certified to offer respite care for foster families.
• Be an advocate. Educate your church and your community about the plight of the orphan. Is your local church doing anything for Orphan Sunday (Nov. 7)? Great FREE resources are available at www.orphansunday.org
• Be part of the 1K Campaign (http://www.destinynetwork.com), a vision to see 1,000 projects that benefit orphans occur in 1,000 days.
• Pray. Lift up the families and churches all over the world that are attacking the global orphan crisis. 

-t