Adoption Fair at Faith Evangelical Church !!!!

In Fort Collins, CO - 3920 South Shields Street

2010 Northern Colorado Adoption Fair

Saturday, April 17th 9 - noon

The goal of our Adoption Fair is to make a difference for couples who are considering their steps towards adoption. You may just be curious and starting the ‘journey’ to becoming an adoptive or foster parent. Perhaps you feel overwhelmed with the many questions that arise or maybe you are already well on your way to completing the adoption process.

By sharing testimonies and introducing agencies and support organizations, we hope to encourage you as you consider adoption.

Adoption Fair Schedule

8:30 – 9:00 Doors Open

9:00 – 9:30 Welcome and opening panel of families who have adopted

9:30 – 10:00 Break time and opportunity to speak with agencies

10:00 – 10:45 Workshop I

10:45 – 11:15 Break time and opportunity to speak with agencies

11:15 – 12:00 Workshop II

Workshops

• Domestic Newborn Adoption

• International Adoption in China, Haiti, Philippines, Russia and Ukraine

• Foster Care Adoption

• Intro to Attachment Issues

Help spread the word about this Adoption Fair at Faith Evangelical Church. It is a great opportunity to meet with agencies and organizations face to face and ask questions about bringing a child into your family through adoption. :)

For more information contact: Lisa Maclean at (970) 744-2250 or lisajmaclean@gmail.com.

What motivates you?

What stirs your heart to move toward action?

Truth springs up from the earth, and righteousness smiles down from heaven. Psalm 85:11

If we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ the Holy Spirit is speaking to our hearts continually. He speaks to your heart through what you see, what you hear and what you read. He is confirming, giving us discernment and calling us to action. The Holy Spirit cannot respond for us - it is our job to be obedient to His leading.

Here are some questions to ask God as He speaks to your heart:
How do you want me to respond?
Is this something for me to be involved in personally or provide an avenue of advocacy?
How can I unit the body of Christ for what you are putting on my heart?

The sure way to deprive the poor of justice is to do nothing.
Tom Davis, Fields of the Fatherless

We are the resistance against the evils in this world. Wrapped in the armor of God, standing on His promises we are called to affect change, to stand in the gap, to gain ground, and to be the hands and feet of Christ for a world in need. Satan's rule is overcome when God's Kingdom is exercised through us.
Susie Larson, Embracing your Freedom

For the Lord loves justice, and does not forsake His saints; they are preserved forever, but the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell in it forever. The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of justice.
Psalm 37:28-30

Whatever the Holy Spirit has put on your heart matters. It has eternal purpose. The enemy will try and discourage you. Put on your armor - Ephesians 6:10-19
God has not only equipped you for what He has put on your heart - He has also equipped you and prepared you for the battle that comes with it. Any territory that the enemy occupies will not be won without a battle.

I am praying for you as you step out in whatever direction the Holy Spirit is leading. :)

Sibling Group of three are waiting for a family to say YES!!!

These siblings need a forever family!!! Please pray for them as they wait and pray for their forever family to be united with them soon.

Here is a brief description:

Some fortunate family will be filled with happiness when they make Kyla, Faith and Camden part of their lives! These three kiddos are full of energy and active, yet all of them have a sensitive, thoughtful and caring side to them. The oldest, Kyla, loves Hannah Montana and she can dance up a storm! Making crafts is a favorite pastime of hers, so all she needs is a pair of scissors, paper, crayons and glue, to be content. Girly things make her smile! She plays the clarinet in the school band, and she likes to help around the house. Now that’s a plus in any home. In the fourth grade, Kyla is a good student who receives As and Bs. Sweet, quiet, delightful and cooperative are just a few words that have been used to describe younger sister Faith. With a great imagination, she likes to play with Barbies, and playing dress-up completes a terrific day! Games are tops on her list, and because she makes friends very easily, there is always someone around to join her. Someday Faith would like to run track or participate in a sport. In the first grade, she does well in school. Camden, the only boy of the group and the youngest, is active, healthy and excels in anything athletic. Football is his favorite sport and someday he would like to be a professional athlete. He has been described as having all the right dance moves! In kindergarten, his favorite time of the day is recess, or when the teacher is reading out loud to the class. He loves one-on-one attention, especially from a male role model, and is affectionate and kind. Video games and watching SpongeBob on TV will keep him happy for a long time! This incredible trio of kids would do best in a home without dogs or cats because of allergies. They would like to remain in contact with their aunt. Their caseworker will accept inquiries from all family types. Financial assistance may be available for adoption-related costs. All of the children benefit from counseling, which will need to continue after placement. For Colorado children, both homestudied and non-homestudied Colorado families are encouraged to inquire; only homestudied families from other states should do so. We only accept inquiries on the entire sibling group, who will be placed together.

Contact the Adoption Exchange for more information at: 303-755-4756

Camden is 6, Faith is 7 and Kyla is 10 - Their ID#'s are: 9026,9027 and 9028

Each and every child deserves the love and protection that only a family can provide.

:)

Prayer changes things!!! :)

The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.

James 15:16

The world’s spiritual climate of bondage changes every time you earnestly pray for the liberty of one in literal chains – Susie Larson, Embracing Your Freedom

Dear Lord - Thank you so much for you everlasting love and mercy. Help us to never think that our prayers are not changing things in this world. Even if we don't see the results of our prayers, help us to trust that you are working for the good of those that you have put on our hearts to pray for. We love you Lord! Amen.

I know that God places some big concerns on our hearts. Remember that nothing, absolutely nothing is impossible with God. He puts those burdens on our hearts so that we will not only pray, but so that you will put into action His provision for those that you are praying for.

:)

Project 1.27 on 9NEWS

Christian Alliance for Orphans - Summit VI

Register now for Summit VI in Minneapolis, MN on April 29 &30.

http://www.christian-alliance-for-orphans.org/summit/

No matter where you are in your adoption journey or interest in Orphan Ministry you will find Orphan Summit very valuable in equipping you to be a better advocate for God's children! :)

Project 1.27 Celebrates 100th Adoption!!!

Project 1.27 on 9 news Monday 10pm!

Congratulations to Darius, his family and to Project 1.27!!!!!!!

Rejoicing with all of you - It is an awesome journey!! :)

Project 1.27 Announces Its 100th Adoption!

16-year-old Darius became the 100th child to be adopted by his “forever family” through Project 1.27. In just five

years, Project 1.27 has made a huge impact on the “waiting children” in Colorado foster care.

Centennial, March 8, 2010 – Forty people watched as 16-year-old Darius Radford discovered he has to practice

something new: writing his new last name. On Feb. 23, Judge William B. Sylvester pronounced Darius an official

“Radford” at a packed adoption hearing in Colorado’s 18th Judicial District Court in Arapahoe County. Surrounded

by his new siblings and parents, Darius beamed from ear to ear as cheers erupted all around the room from friends

and family in attendance.

Rowland and Celeste Radford, regular ushers at Colorado Community Church (CCC), were helping people find their

seats in church two years ago when they heard Pastor Robert Gelinas announce a prayer request: Darius, a 14-yearold

in foster care in Arapahoe County, was in need of being adopted. His case was special because not only was he

an “older child,” but he also was a two-time cancer survivor. The Radfords made contact with Project 1.27 and

immediately began the interview and training process to become eligible as an adoptive family.

A short time later, in a meeting at the Arapahoe County Department of Human Services, Darius told County staff

and the Radfords: “I feel like I’m supposed to be with them.”

Celeste remembers starting to cry. “It was such a validation of what God had been doing in our hearts. We were

thrilled.”

PROJECT 1.27

Pastor Gelinas and Chris Padbury, a U.S. Air Force officer, founded Project 1.27 in 2005. Its mission is to recruit,

train and support adoptive families through Christian churches for Colorado’s “waiting children” in foster care.

These are children whose biological parents’ rights have been terminated due to unresolved concerns for their safety

and well being, and who are in need of a new, permanent family. The average age for Colorado’s waiting children

is 10 years old, and often they include siblings groups who need to be adopted together.

“All children are special in God’s sight, and therefore in our sight as Christians,” said Chris Padbury, President of

Project 1.27. “The church has a responsibility to care for the orphan in our midst. There shouldn’t be ‘waiting

children’. There should only be ‘waiting parents’.”

Project 1.27 has moved beyond the walls of CCC to churches all across Colorado. Project 1.27’s adoptive families

represent over 165 different Christian churches. Churches share this mission all across the state offering their

facilities for orientations, trainings, and support groups.

“The church has the parents and the call; the state has the children and the law. We bring the two together for the

benefit of the children, our communities and our state,” said Padbury.

CHILD WELFARE PARTNERSHIP

By partnering with 8 Colorado counties and 5 child placement agencies, Project 1.27 has effectively mobilized a

community of parents that has been difficult for social services to attract in the past.

“Arapahoe County is so pleased to partner with Project 1.27 in our efforts to find and prepare adoptive families who

will open their hearts and homes to children in our care,” said Arapahoe County Commissioner Frank Weddig. “It’s

so important for children to have lifelong connections with a family. Darius Radford will now know that kind of

support, but also know that there are many other foster children who are looking to find a forever family.”

2010 RESULTS

When Project 1.27 began in 2005, there were 875 children available for adoption according to the Colorado

Department of Human Services (CDHS). There are now only 365 “waiting children”.

Five years and one administration later, our collaborative efforts with Colorado child welfare are showing that

church and state can work together for the benefit of children. The investment has proven fruitful:

Project 1.27’s church families are responsible for 20% of the reduction in the margin of waiting children

(100:510). The other 80% is the fine work of CDHS, the Colorado counties and its child placement agency partners.

Their focus on this effort has been outstanding.

Darius has been cancer-free for two years and likes the stability of having a permanent family. Noting he has three

new sisters, Darius said with a smile, “These people are crazy!” When he grows up, Darius would like to play for

the Denver Nuggets. Looks like his new family will get to cheer him on for years to come.

To learn about Colorado’s many “waiting children,” please visit www.changealifeforever.org.

About Project 1.27:

Project 1.27 is a “Ministry from the Churches of Colorado to the Orphans of Colorado”. We recruit, train and

supported adoptive families from churches to help empty the pool of “waiting children” in Colorado foster care.

For more information, please visit

www.project127.com

Adoption/Foster Care Support Group

This Group will be meeting in Room 208 from 5-7pm

April 11 - We will be having "Ask the Therapist" night.

Demi Wood, is a licensed Family Therapist, adoptive mom and a former foster parent. What a blessing that Demi has agreed to come and spend some time answering some of our questions.

May 2 - Kristin from Northern Colorado Kids will be coming to share some fun family activities that we can take our kids to this summer. She is also bringing coupons and giveaways!!! Sometimes we don't know what is available for us to do as a family to get out and have some affordable fun.

http://www.northerncoloradokids.com/

June 6 - Pending acceptance by speaker.

Please make sure that your children are registered for childcare.

Register at: http://fs8.formsite.com/timberline/Childcareenrollmentform/index.html

We are so blessed to have a staff at Timberline Church that is ready and willing to bless us in this way.

On the registration form under Ministry Name put: Welcome Child Adoption/Foster Care Support Group

:)

Soloman needs a family!! :)

Name: Soloman V
Profile: Spend some time being silly and playful with Soloman! Whether it's running, playing with cars, making art projects, or learning about all kinds of wild animals, this boy is a willing participant! Bring on the hockey and soccer fields, too. He likes putting things together, especially LEGOs. His favorite food is Chinese, and maybe someday he'll become an artist. This first grader enjoys school and has no trouble entertaining himself; he likes playing with the older boys, too. He benefits from counseling, which may need to continue following placement. Soloman has siblings with whom he remains in contact. His caseworker prefers a two-parent Colorado family with other children; however, all family types will be considered. Financial assistance may be available for adoption-related services. For Colorado children, both homestudied and non-homestudied Colorado families are encouraged to inquire; only homestudied families from other states should do so.

Contact The Adoption Exchange for more information about Soloman - 303-755-4756 - His id# is 8340 - Soloman was born in 2/2003 :)

Ukraine Orphan Outreach

What a Great Opportunity we have to step into the lives of orphans coming from Ukraine to spend a couple of weeks here in Northern Colorado. We have had the pleasure of having Kris and Clarke Stoesz at our Orphan Sunday events. I appreciate their hearts to serve God by serving these children. This year I wanted to make sure that we announced in advance their needs and how we can support them. So please contact Kris and Clarke to see how you and your family can get involved. These children need forever families! :)

Ukraine Orphan Outreach is a non-profit organization formed by adoptive parents and others with concern for the future of the ophans. Our main emphasis is to reach orphaned children and make a difference in their future. We bring them to the US to meet and interact with families face to face thru our Cultural Exchange Camps. This program helps give hope in a personal way to those who have none.

July of this year will be our 4th annual Cultural Exchange Camp. During camp the children stay as a group. This allows for safety of the children, consistency, ease of participation by people in the community and security for the children who are comforted in being together. UOO is an all volunteer organization so please consider getting involved with an activity and part of this incredible, life changing program.

Listed below are some ways to get plugged in.

1. Welcome backpacks for each camper: which include items such as toiletries, stationary, etc.

2. Food - this could be providing a prepared meal, sack lunches or groceries to be used during camp.

3. Clothing/Shoe donations - the children arrive with only the clothes on their backs.

4. Suitcases - large ones will be used to carry donated items back to the orphanage. (used is fine)

5. Birthday gifts

6. Medical care - we are looking for donated dental care to be performed during their 3 week visit.

7. Day Coordinators - people who would like to run a day of camp. The basic planning is done but we are looking for volunteers to faciliate the plan and add personal touches.

8. Event sponsors - all activities during camp must be donated (bowling, swimming, aquarium, zoo etc)

9. Bibles - we have a source to purchase Ukraine Bibles and we would like to provide a copy for each camper.

10. Chaperones - during field trips, meal times, mountain camping, lake day, etc

11. Laundry

12. Financial help

13. Prayer support - specifically for the safety of their journey and their time while here in the US. For Camp 2010 to be meaningful in their lives.

Please call Clarke or Kris at (970) 535-4399 if you are interested in finding out how to get plugged in. Thank you for taking time to find out about Ukraine Orphan Outreach!

Kris and Clarke

kstoesz@aol.com

Kris Stoesz
Ukraine Orphan Outreach
(970) 535-4399
www.ukraineorphans.org

Remarkable News from Colorado

Click on the link below to view a post from the Christian Alliance for Orphans blog. It has been exciting to see how God is uniting Churches and Counties for the sake of children who need families. :)

Remarkable News from Colorado

Posted using ShareThis

Children's Book about Adoption

Little Polar Bear Finds A Friend

by Hans de Beer

This is a wonderful book about friendship and becoming a family - regardless of the fact that you are a different color. :)

Some tidbits from my...

devotions this week:

He said to them, "If anyone wants to be My follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me". Mark 8:34

When we look back at our lives, our favorite parts are those stones of remembrance -- major places where God did something big or where we acted in bold faith. But God's favorite parts are the lines in between where we chose to walk faithfully without answers and visible evidences. Faithfulness invests in the future.

Beth Moore

When we say yes to God's call to adopt - out faith is challenged in ways we never imagined. We learn more about trusting in God and leaning on him when things don't make sense. We learn of His great love for us because, we cannot believe how much we love this child we have never held, comforted or cared for. His love for us becomes heart knowledge and not just head knowledge.

Do not remember the former things; neither consider the things of old. Isaiah 43:18

In the world we cannot live without disappointment, but in Jesus we can always be given re-appointment!

Philippians 3:13 says "But one things I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead."

When we get disappointed, then immediately get re-appointed, that's exactly what we're doing. We decide to go on!!!

Joyce Meyer

Sometimes our journey in adoption clashes with disappointment. A child we were matched with is suddenly unable to come home - the country we are working with meets with unforeseen delays - the birth parents have changed their mind. We then make a conscience decision to keep putting one foot in front of the other - trusting in God to make a way.

:)

Corner - Rob Bell

Last week in our Fields of the Fatherless class we were going over Chapters 5 and 6. I found this video actually a Nooma by Rob Bell titled Corner. It fit perfectly what our topic of the night was.

CORNER

Deuteronomy 24:21

When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow.

Some questions that we are praying over this week?

*Was there a time when you expected to give, but ended up receiving?

*Can you give and receive at the same time?

*How is success dangerous?

When we empower others, when we extend grace to others in their oppression - whatever that may look like - we find out about the grace that God has extended to us.

*How has grace been extended to you?

*Who needs some grace from you?

We leave a corner because in helping save someone else from suffering, we may in the process find ourselves being saved.

*What is your corner?

*Who do you need to give it to?

I would love to hear how God is speaking to your heart regarding these questions!! :)