Later this week, thousands of Christian leaders, parents and advocates will gather at the Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit, and we talked with Alliance President Jedd Medefind about the needs, the progress, the challenges, and the joys of adoption and orphan care. From global initiatives to county foster care, gaining better understanding the role of churches and every believer in caring for these kids.
How can the church be God’s answer for orphans?
That is the question we addressed on today’s program. The Christian Alliance for Orphans has been providing answers to this question by inspiring and equipping churches around the world on how to respond and care for orphans. Jedd Medefind most of all, desires to reflect the heart of Jesus Christ throughout his life, especially when it comes to caring for orphans;
“There is no deeper, richer way to experience God’s heart…than being a part of it with Him”
The orphan care movement is an expression of God’s heart by giving an opportunity for the church to be known as a people who care for orphans. As it says in James 1:27, Christian families are to look after orphans and widows in their distress;
“Understanding that our God is the God who cares deeply for the vulnerable”
Jedd shares the staggering numbers of orphans in the world who need care and love from adoptive families:
• According to the United Nations, 150 million children have lost at least one parent
• 17 million children have lost both parents
• In the US Foster System, about 400,000 children have been removed from their birth family and placed into care of the state
• 100, 000 of those children are currently on a wait list for adoption
The question arises, how can we possibly reduce these statistics around the world? Medefind reminds us that all things are made possible within the body of Christ;
“It just takes one caring family to change the life of a child forever”
Protection, nurture and love are extremely important for any child to thrive, and can only be provided through a relationship or family ideal – something the government can’t provide.
“You never outgrow the need for a family”
We all have been adopted into the family of God and are all given a special role in caring for God’s children. Jedd explains that not every Christian is called to adopt a child, but every Christian community is called to care for orphans.
Key scriptures: James 1:27, Psalm 68
More information about the Alliance for Orphans Summit can be found here.
