Matthew 25:40
And the King will answer and say to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me."
Even before the recent lock-down due to the virus, my husband, Danny, habitually orders things he needs on the internet. Amazon, of course, is his main source for many of these products. So, imagine our surprise, not to mention our amusement, when these arrive at our doorstep a few weeks ago.
This is a puzzler, indeed! The carton is correctly addressed to Danny, so the delivery person is not at fault, but how did it happen? And what are we going to do with diapers???
"I know," I tell him as a light bulb goes off in my head. "Let's donate them to our church's Foster Care Ministry!"
"That's a perfect solution," Danny agrees.
This week, we will take the diapers, along with some workbooks I ordered for the youngest grands, but mistakenly had shipped here instead of to their new home, and some assorted, gently-used toys that our granddaughters have long outgrown.
How did our church get started in the Foster Care Ministry? Our previous associate pastor, Lindsey, and her husband, Kris, became foster parents while working at the church. Lindsey was well aware of the potential financial struggles foster parents face when they agree to take a child (they took two, a brother and sister) to live in their home. Even though here in Georgia, foster parents receive some support dollars, it isn't normally enough to really provide for all of that child's needs.
So, Lindsey initiated this program at church where our parishioners donate items to help foster parents give little extras to the children in their care. The ministry is not limited to our own members, but open to the community, too, as a much-needed resource.
As of July 1st of this year, it is estimated that almost 12,000 children are in the foster care system in the state of Georgia alone. That boggles my mind! The good news is, many of these children find forever homes with the families who foster them. That is exactly what Lindsey and Kris were able to do with their beloved foster children!
Do you have a foster care ministry at your church or in your community? If so, I hope you will choose to make regular donations to keep it going.
For whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Jesus.
Amen!
What a wonderful and worthy cause. Thank you for your donations, and to all people who foster and adopt children.
ReplyDeleteGod bless, Martha.
It truly is a wonderful cause, Victor, and I was just so happy to be able to help. And yes, my God bless all those who foster and adopt children who need a loving family!
DeleteLove and blessings!
What a great way to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I have often thought about the foster system or even adoption but it takes two to want to do that. It is not in Jo's wheelhouse so we help others. One of our ladies has had to spend quite a bit of time at Riley Hospital for Children and staying at the Ronald McDonald House next to it so she collects things for the kids and parents who stay there. The church is involved in that.
ReplyDeleteWow, Bill, that's a wonderful charity to donate to! There are so many children and families in need of a helping hand; may we we do our best to serve them in Jesus' name.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Such a worthy cause and I'm so glad you are able to donate. Still kind of a mystery why you got the diapers to being with lol. I don't know of any foster care ministries in my area but I do donate regularly to the food bank and our local homeless outreach program.
ReplyDeleteIt was so weird to receive those unsolicited diapers, Martha, but at least we can donate them to a worthy cause. Our church also has a food bank collection bin. We all need to be willing to give to worthy causes.
DeleteLove and blessings!
A beautiful reminder for all of us. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed the post today, Terri. Yes, we all need a nudge once in a while to remember to give generously.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I had no idea! Thank you for bringing this to our attention, Martha. Now, I'm wondering if the intended diaper's recipient received Danny's delivery instead. :)
ReplyDeleteNo telling about that one, Mevely, but I'm so glad we could put the diapers to good use.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Such a great labor of love to help support foster children. Shocking how many are in Georgia alone.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is a labor of love, Valerie. And I, too, was shocked to learn how many foster children live in our state - way, way too many beautiful little ones!
DeleteLove and blessings!
What a great way to use a "gift" that was seemingly misdirected, but maybe it was divinely directed instead. Foster care is a wonderful ministry to children who need some love and care. It is say how many children there are in every state in need of good parenting. May your donation and this story today stir up more thought on this needed topic.
ReplyDeleteMaybe those diapers were divinely directed, Pamela. I love that idea! I think people's awareness of this nationwide crisis needs to be raised, so that more will participate in helping, even if they don't feel up to being foster parents themselves.
DeleteLove and blessings!
A great solutions to a funny mix-up. Foster Care is a wonderful ministry, Martha. Our church supports several local organizations that help single moms, battered women, and the homeless.
ReplyDeleteYes, we thought it was a great solution, too, Beckie. I think it's great that your church does so much to help single mothers, battered women and the homeless. There is so much we can do, even if it's just donating items, to help those in need.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Such a wonderful ministry, Martha. All children need people to love them and nurture them. It's so sad that there are so many foster children. I can't imagine finding diapers on our doorstep. :) It must have been funny and puzzling at the same time, but God surely knows some foster child needed them. Love and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteSo many children needing to be loved and cared for, Trudy, that's a fact. Diapers on our doorstep was just a reminder to Danny and me that we need to show more support of the Foster Care Ministry at our church. It's something I plan to do on a regular basis once this virus is over.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, nothing like receiving something you didn't order, yet it can be such a blessing to donate to a worthwhile ministry or individual in need. These are the stories that are so inspiring during this crazy, challenging time. The ministry for Foster Care families is a great one--it much be so challenging to care for children in need.
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings!
Indeed, Kim, it is such a challenge, especially with so many children having to learn remotely, limiting a parent's ability to return to work. Let us always give generously to others when we can!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Oh, my word! I had to chuckle out loud when I saw the diapers! Isn't that the oddest thing? It would be very neat to be able to follow that box of diapers and see where they end up and who needs them. God has an amazing way of supplying the needs of His trusting children. Who knows who you will be able to bless with your donations! God bless your kind and generous heart.
ReplyDeleteYes, we had a good laugh, too, Cheryl! I'm hoping that whoever get these will be someone who needs them for the child they are caring for. I'm so glad that God used this one gift to remind me that I should be giving more to this ministry.
DeleteLove and blessings!
What a neat ministry and so needed. A neighbor across the street from us recently took in four kids from his drug addicted cousin; one a newborn, I know as neighbors we are all helping. They already had three kids of their own. Such large hearts! Did you ever find out how you got diapers? what a mystery,
ReplyDeleteIt remains a mystery, Jean! And wow, I'm so impressed by the generosity and caring of your neighbors, taking in all those wonderful children who need a stable home. Thanks for sharing their experience here, my friend.
DeleteLove and blessings!
A beautiful gesture and worthwhile project. It is so sad that so many children have to end up in foster homes, but it's wonderful for those who find a good home and adoption. They need all the love and little extras they can get. God bless you and your church ministry.
ReplyDeleteYes, Diane, so many children in need all throughout the country. I'm so thankful for the loving care foster parents provide, and just grateful that we can contribute something to this ministry.
DeleteLove and blessings!
What a great example of stewardship Ms. Martha Jane! Sharing your blessings with others is a way of building a legacy of love for your family. Works as an example for your friends too. God's blessings to you and Mr. Danny.
ReplyDeleteThank you, J.D.! We all need to give, and give generously, whenever we can possibly do so.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Wow, 12,000? In the state of Georgia alone? That is a staggering number. Glad your church has stepped up to help, great idea!
ReplyDeleteYes, Marja, it's a staggering statistic, indeed. I'm grateful for this ministry at our church, too.
DeleteLove and blessings!
This is such a great idea. I was foster parent to two teenagers, who are now grown and still part of the family.
ReplyDeleteOh, that's wonderful, Galen! It takes special person with a generous heart to be a foster parent.
DeleteLove and blessings!