Sponsorship organisations sincerely set out to help orphans in Africa and other developing countries out of their misery and hopelessness by providing them with a family environment in which they can experience love and hope. To accomplish this, a sponsorship organisation often works with a like-minded partner organisation that executes its vision and objectives. Unfortunately, this is usually plagued by many complex problems that, if not resolved, can become insurmountable. In this book, the author draws on his many years of experience in working for orphans in Africa to identify difficulties that seem to be inherent in such an endeavour. He has determined that these problems stem from three specific areas: the orphans themselves, the partner organisation, and the sponsor organisation. Each of these has its own unique challenges; and when these unique challenges interact, they become so complicated that, if their root causes are not isolated and resolved, the ministry may eventually collapse. The telltale signs of such an eventuality are perceptible--but only to the discerning mind. Musa Okolo identifies and offers practical solutions to these challenges, which will enable orphan care ministries to understand and deal with the complex issues involved and hence achieve their objectives and fulfil their vision.

“A wise and experienced guide, Todd Chipman offers practical direction on how local congregations can do better in our quest to care for those Jesus calls ‘the least of these my brothers.’” –Russell Moore, author of Adopted for Life Your church is doing so much already. Trying to convince people to do foster care or adoption can feel like just another daunting, impossible task. It’s hard enough to get volunteers for the nursery, much less volunteers to foster or adopt a child! But what if we’re thinking about it the wrong way? What if orphan care actually increases your church’s capacity to do ministry? What if this one ministry opens doors to many others? Discover how orphan care transforms 6 key aspects of your ministry, meet dozens of families and churches who have experienced the transformative power of orphan care, and learn how you can get involved even if you’re not ready to foster or adopt. After catching the vision for this vital ministry, you’ll be ready to join them!

Orphanology unveils the grassroots movement that's engaged in a comprehensive response to serve hundreds of millions of orphans and "functionally parentless" children.You'll see a breadth of ways to care with biblical perspective and reasons why we must. Heartwarming, personal stories and vivid illustrations from a growing network of families, churches, and organizations that cross culture show how to respond to God's mandate. The book empowers:- churches--to plan preaching, teaching, ministering, missions, funding adoption, supporting orphans;- individuals and families--to overcome challenges and uncertainties;- every believer--to gain insights to help orphans in numerous ways. Discover how to - adopt;- assist orphans in transition;- engage in foster care;- partner with faith-based fostering agencies;- become orphan hosts.Along with their families' adoption stories, Merida and Morton give steps for action and features on churches doing orphan ministry, faith-based children's homes, orphan-hosting groups, and other resources.

Christians are clearly called to care for orphans, a group so close to the heart of Jesus. In reality, most of the 153 million orphaned and vulnerable children in the world do not need to be adopted, and not everyone needs to become an adoptive parent. However, there are other very important ways to help beyond adoption. Indeed, caring for orphaned and vulnerable children requires us to care about related issues from child trafficking and HIV/AIDS to racism and poverty. Too often, we only discuss or theologize the issues, relegating the responsibility to governments. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. Based on his own personal journey toward pure religion, Johnny Carr moves readers from talking about global orphan care to actually doing something about it in Orphan Justice. Combining biblical truth with the latest research, this inspiring book: • investigates the orphan care and adoption movement in the U.S. today • examines new data on the needs of orphaned and vulnerable children • connects “liberal issues” together as critical aspects or orphan care • discovers the role of the church worldwide in meeting these needs • develops a tangible, sustainable action plan using worldwide partnerships • fleshes out the why, what, and how of global orphan care • offers practical steps to getting involved and making a difference

Can we go on short-term missions that don't do damage and in fact serves everyone? Too often the only people who receive the benefit of a short-term missions trip are the trip participants. Many books and critics have expressed their opinion about the damage done by many short-term missions groups on local communities. Reciprocal Missions provides a healthy path forward. A path that will guide us into short-term missions that will be mutually beneficial for everyone involved, both ministry host and mission trip goer. Reciprocal Missions covers cultural sensitivity, building on the ground relationships with hosting organizations, and the nuts and bolts of both facilitating and hosting short-term mission teams. If we want to do short-term missions with excellence, then we must be willing to do the hard work of relationships. With a combined 45 years of experience, DJ Schuetze, who hosts hundreds of short-term mission groups a year and Phil Steiner who leads hundreds of people on short-term mission trips a year have collaborated to bring their experiences and expertise to this book, Reciprocal Missions: Short-Term Missions that Serve Everyone.

The go-to guide for everything you want to know about international adoption From the initial decision—Is adoption right for you?—through returning home with your child—How can you ease the transition?—The Complete Book of International Adoption takes parents step by step through the entire process of adopting a child from another country. You will find: • An easy-to-understand analysis of the differences between domestic and international adoption • Advice on choosing a country, including 25 important factors to consider, such as the waiting times involved and the estimated costs for each of the top placing countries, with charts for easy comparison • A detailed discussion of the potential health issues based on the latest research and interviews with doctors who specialize in international adoption • Worksheets and a suggested system for preparing and organizing the extensive paperwork involved • Parenting tips to enhance attachment and suggestions for addressing the issues that come up in raising an internationally adopted child • Real parents’ stories and advice at every stage of the process • Plus all of the information you need to select your agency, plan financially, prepare for the home study, travel sensibly, evaluate your child’s health and integrate your new family More than just provide the facts, The Complete Book of International Adoption also helps parents manage the emotional rollercoaster that comes with the territory. Sensitive, wise, and often witty, this book is a must-have for any parent considering building their family through adoption.

Foster parents face a unique set of circumstances and experience a wide array of emotions that few can relate to. Their journey is one of equal parts beauty and brokenness, joy and heartache, excitement and exhaustion. There is no textbook on how to be a foster parent, no formula, no simple three-step guide. But there is hope-in God's capacity to bring great beauty out of tragic brokenness. This is the gospel-the lens through which you can filter your foster parenting journey and ultimately find the strength, motivation, and courage you need to be sustained along the way. ReFraming Foster Care is a collection of reflections on the foster parenting journey designed to help you do just that-find hope-and to remind you that your work is worth it and you are not alone. This multi-faceted book can be read alone or used as a group support resource. Every chapter includes: Personal reflection questions Group discussion guides Plan of action exercises Real-life stories Inspirational quotes Whether your foster parenting journey has just begun or you've been on the road for quite some time, we pray this book can encourage, challenge, and inspire you along the way. For bulk orders of 10 or more books, visit www.reframingfostercare.com. Discounts apply.

Adoption has long been enmeshed in the politics of abortion. But as award-winning journalist Joyce makes clear, adoption has lately become entangled in the conservative Christian agenda.

There are great rewards that come along with being a foster parent, yet there are also great challenges that can leave you feeling depleted, alone, and discouraged. The many burdens of a foster parent's day--hurting children, struggling biological parents, and a broken system--are only compounded by the many burdens of a foster parent's heart--confusion, anxiety, heartache, anger, and fear. With the compassion and insight of a fellow foster parent, Jamie C. Finn helps you see your struggles through the lens of the gospel, bringing biblical truths to bear on your unique everyday realities. In these short, easy-to-read chapters, you'll find honest, personal stories and practical lessons that provide encouragement and direction from God's Word as you walk the journey of foster parenting.

We're not all called to do the same thing, but we are all capable of doing something! When it comes to serving the orphaned and vulnerable, this can be the mantra of your church and the foundation of the foster care, adoption and orphan care ministry you establish - everyone can do something! Your church has the ability to make a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families. The questions are not "can" you or "should" you, but "how" can you and "what" does that need to look like? That's what this book is about. Everyone Can Do Something is a strategic field-guide specifically designed to help your church rally around caring for the orphaned and vulnerable. In it you will discover how to: Clarify your message Make the problem relatable Connect people into a community of support Develop a strategic plan Use existing discipleship mechanisms in your church Chart a clear path of ministry "next steps" Plan and promote events ...and so much more! Whether you are launching a new foster care, adoption or orphan care ministry or leading an existing one, you'll discover the principles you need to take the next best steps for your church, your ministry and the families and children you are serving. For bulk orders of 10 or more books, visit www.everyonecandosomethingbook.com. Discounts apply.