In today’s episode we interview Brandon Mankey about the nearly decade long journey his family took that culminated in a recent adoption. As we celebrate that event, we also talk about what led them to that decision and why we as Christians must be concerned about fostering and adoption.
Brandon discussed some of the “why’s” that led them to their decision:
- It is VITAL. In 2019, there were 440,000 children in foster care, which include 30,000 youths who will age out of the system never having been adopted.
- It is BIBLICAL. In James 1:27 it shares, “Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…”
- It is DIFFICULT. While it was a challenging and long road that Brandon’s family went through, he reflects that most things in life worth doing are hard.
- It is WORTH IT. The value of investing in lives is incalculable.
Brandon also reflects that while everyone’s involvement won’t look like theirs, we should ask ourselves how to be involved in caring for widows and orphans. Here’s some steps he suggested:
- Prayer together as a family in regards to what God would want you to do.
- Seek unity with your spouse in this decision.
- Talk to a foster parent or someone who has adopted to get their perspective. While fostering or adopting may not be in your future, you can come alongside these parents in prayer and support.
- Contact a licensed case worker with the Children’s Division in your county to find out more. You can also visit the Missouri Children’s Division website for more info.
Until next week, Be Abnormal.