AFFORDING ADOPTION - guest blogger

Affording Adoption in a Tough Economy
By Johnston Moore

It is no secret that the United States and most of the rest of the world are experiencing difficult times economically. Unemployment is rising, layoffs are increasing, people are taking salary cuts, spending freezes are in effect, people are cutting back wherever they can, and even doing without when necessary.

Of course, the Christian community has also been hit by economic woes, and many of our brothers and sisters are putting things on hold until times are more stable. What will this mean for those whom God is calling to adopt? Given the cost of private domestic and international adoptions, how can people afford to adopt through these channels in such tough economic times?

We asked our friends at three outstanding organizations that provide financial help for adoptive families to weigh in on the issue. With their help we’ve come up with three important steps people can take in affording adoption in these times: trust, ask, and be creative.

Trust
It is so important to never lose sight of the fact that God is in charge and that we can trust Him, regardless of what our bank statements and paychecks say.

“First and foremost – God is still Jehovah-Jireh (the Lord Provides),” says Andy Lehman of Lifesong for Orphans (LifesongForOrphans.org), which helps couples adopt through matching funds, interest free loans, and by helping churches start adoption funds. “If God calls you to adopt, be confident He will provide the financial means to adopt while still following Biblical guidelines for handling money.”

Many Christians are indeed putting their faith in God and moving forward with adoption plans in spite of the economy, though they seem to be looking for more outside help in financing their adoptions. “We are seeing a significant increase in the number of adoption assistance applications each month since the fall of 2008,” says Scott Hasenbalg of Show Hope (ShowHope.org), which helps Christians adopt through grants and by helping churches start adoption funds. “From my perspective, the good news is that people are putting their faith in God, not in the economy.…I am thrilled to see believers not letting finances stand in the way of their adoptions.”

Ask
Though times are difficult, funds are still available through grants and interest-free loans. Adoptive couples should continue to apply for these funds through some of the wonderful ministries that have them, regardless of the tightening economy.

Wendy Cosby of Show Hope says that it is important to encourage believers to help fund adoptions. “What better thing can you continue to give to during the hard times than helping an orphan to be placed in a loving, Christian home….something that has eternal implications.”

Andy is confident the body of Christ will rise to the occasion and help those called to adopt, even in lean times. “Many are giving generously and sacrificially to help fund adoption grants, matching grants, interest-free loans, and provide seed money for Church Adoption Funds.”

In addition to applying for funds from existing organizations, do not be shy to ask others for help. It is not unusual to receive letters requesting financial support for missionaries. Adopting a child is a missional act, and we should not hesitate to ask others to share the cost with us.

Be Creative
Scott says that the difficult economic times have led people to think a little more outside the box in figuring out how to fund their adoptions. “We are seeing more creativity from individuals who are reaching out to their community of friends and family, from traditional yard and bake sales to sending baby bottles to friends and asking them to fill them with coins or dollar bills.”

Other creative ways to help fund your adoption might include:


· A fund-raising dinner in your church

· A benefit concert

· A raffle

The truth is that if God is calling you to adopt, as Andy said, He will provide the means for you to afford it. The key is to trust, ask, and be creative, and you will be amazed to see what God does.

Jason Kovacs, of the ABBA Fund (AbbaFund.org), which helps adoptive parents through interest-free loans and by assisting churches in starting adoption funds, sees a great opportunity to witness to the world of God’s provision and priorities. “I think we are living in an economic time when the world will say it is unwise to attempt to adopt because it costs so much. From God's perspective, this is the perfect time for Him to show that He is mighty and able to provide for His people. Many folks get this and are stepping out in faith. And many of their friends and family and churches are not listening to the world and are coming alongside and helping with donations and support. We can praise God for that.”