The very first institution God ordained was marriage. Out of marriage, God brought forth the family. As the people of God, therefore, we are for families. Families need support. In our communities, families in crisis desperately need to see the agape – God inspired – type of love that Jesus commanded of us. One way we can do that is to come alongside foster families.
get Involved
pray
The Word instructs believers to defend the fatherless (Psalm 82).
Ask for the Spirit of God to speak this truth into the hearts of Christ followers.
Scripture informs us that we are not given a spirit of fear (1 Timothy).
Ask God to remove any spirit of fear that may arise in caring for the fatherless.
Christ in us gives contentedness and strength in all circumstances (Philippians 4).
Ask God to give contentedness to children in foster families and strength to caregivers.
Download prayer slides to use in your church, small group, or family to pray for the mission field of foster children and families.
In Your Community:
The starting point for many families in crisis is the Department of Social Services. Each community has a local DSS. These workers have supply closets for children placed into foster care. DSS offices are often in need of diapers and comfort items like stuffed animals.
Find a local DSSoffice near you.
Call the local office and ask what supplies they might need and how your group can help.
In the sbcv:
As a convention, we are focusing on foster care engagement. On April 25 at Smith Memorial Baptist Church in Williamsburg, the SBCV is hosting an equipping conference on foster care. Keynote speaker Todd Chipman, author of Until Every Child Is Home, will share how his family’s obedience in foster care created great gains in the local church he helps shepherd. Breakout sessions are offered to encourage current foster families, educate interested families, and equip pastors in supporting this ministry in the local church.
You’re invited! Learn more and register now!
additional Resources:
SEND RELIEF (NAMB) has a great resource on partnering with social services.
Find additional information the information at sendrelief.org
Learn more about fostering and adoption through these excellent SEND RELIEF resources: https://www.sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/
Please report your church’s participation in this project below.
If you have additional questions, please call the SBC of Virginia office at (804) 270-1848.
