We’re so excited to begin a season of support for Oakwood’s foster and orphan care ministry, called Mission:Hope. First up is the annual Lace Up 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, Nov. 6. We’ll celebrate Orphan Sunday together at Oakwood on Sunday, Nov. 7.
But supporting vulnerable children and families can happen at any time. Mirroring a list of meaningful ways to support foster families from our friends at The Global Orphan Project, here’s a list of ways Oakwood can pitch in here at home.
“I used to think you had to be special for God to use you, but now I know you simply need to say yes.”
― Bob Goff, Love Does
1. Make Meals
The gift of a meal makes a huge difference in the lives of foster families who are busy navigating appointments and special care for the kids they’re parenting. On Sunday, Oct. 10, people can gather at my home from 1- 4 p.m. to assemble meals for the foster and adoptive families at Oakwood. I try to do this each month. Email me for details if you’d like to help then – or at any time!
2. Provide Respite Care
Give the gift of time to foster and adoptive families. The parents would love a kid-free night out. Or maybe you can help with transportation. Children in the foster care system often have a significant number of appointments. Offering rides to visits, activities, groups, etc., can be a huge gift to the parents and children.
3. Gather Supplies and Gifts
Basic necessities add up for foster and adoptive families. Gather up toiletries, diapers/wipes, clothes, hats and mittens, school supplies, etc., and drop them off at the Oakwood church office to be shared with foster and adoptive families. If you’re able, bless a family with an excursion, membership or day pass to give them the opportunity to make memories with their family.
4. Listen
Foster and adoptive families need friends in their corner. You may not understand all of the details of their experience, but you can be a good friend who listens, encourages, laughs with them, cries with them and prays with them.
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." – Philippians 2:3-4
If you have any questions about how to support foster and adoptive families or would like to help, please email me. I look forward to seeing you at Lace Up on Nov. 6 and Orphan Sunday on Nov. 7!