Friday, January 29, 2010

Spirit of Adoption

The Spirit of Adoption is sweeping through the University Church in Tuscaloosa, AL. Praise God for the work He is doing on many hearts in this church family. FOURTEEN families are now on the adoption journey! 5 of those are domestic. The other 9 are international adoptions. The families have organized a support group meeting regularly. And watch out - we have our own logo (above) and Facebook group!! The church leadership is praying about what is happening and working to think of all the ways the congregation can love and support the adopting families as well. A general fund for donations has been set up and plans for an official orphan care ministry team are also in the works. In terms of long range plans, adopting families hope to begin a perpetuating fund to which we contribute some/all of our federal tax credits (The U.S. government does issue a substantial tax credit for adopting families - very helpful.) These funds could then be loaned at no interest to other families who decide to later join this area of God's mission. These truly are exciting and encouraging times at UCC. We pray that God's Spirit continues to fan these flames so that more and more families make the decision to adopt one or more of the many orphaned children of this world!

J. I. Packer (Influential Canadian theologian) in his book, Knowing God writes, "Our understanding of Christianity cannot be better than our grasp of adoption."