Prayers and Resources for Adoptive and Foster Care Families

As Oakwood families are called to serve "the least of these" by adopting or fostering children, they desperately need prayer support. All children who have been separated from their birth parents have experienced some kind of trauma and/or loss. Our families are oftentimes stretched like never before as they adjust to a new child in their home and attempt to give that child the physical, emotional and spiritual care they need to heal.

How to Pray for Adoptive and Foster Families

Here are some specific ways you can pray for Oakwood's adoptive and foster families: 

• Pray that the Lord would encourage their hearts with His presence and love. And, that they would be reminded that their calling has come from the Lord and He will not fail them. (Matthew 25:35-40; Psalm 136)
• Pray that they would have wisdom and discernment as they care for their children's needs, large and small. (James 1:5)
• Pray for physical, emotional and spiritual healing for foster and adoptive children. Pray that their salvation and redemption would be found in Jesus! (Romans 10:9-13; 2 Corinthians 5:17)
• Pray that family, friends and the Oakwood community would come alongside these families in their journey, providing practical support and Biblical encouragement. (Galatians 6:2; Philippians 2:3-4)

 CLICK HERE to read The Foster Care Prayer Guide from the Christian Alliance for Orphans.

Resource for Adoptive and Foster Families

Here are seven excellent resources for parents, families and friends who are impacted by foster care or adoption:

1. Hope 4 Homes - Hope 4 Homes is the Adoptive and Foster care support group of Mission: Hope and is open to all families in the Lake Country area. Keep an eye on the Oakwood events page to see when Hope 4 Homes meets next.
2. The Connected Child - Most adoptive and foster families have unique and challenging parenting struggles. One of the best resources to provide hope and help is The Connected Child by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross. These expert researchers and clinicians have developed parenting techniques that help to heal the hearts and minds of children who have experienced trauma. Download and read a chapter of this helpful resource. 
3. Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew - Whether you adopted your child as an infant or an older child, the book Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew by Sherrie Elderidge, is very helpful in understanding how your child may think about his/her adoption and birth families. This wonderful book is written through the eyes of adopted children and gives voice to their needs, behaviors and feelings. Sherrie, herself, was adopted as an infant and offers great insight into the thoughts and hearts of adopted children. She offers hope and practical strategies for adoptive parents and children alike.  
4. Attaching Through Love, Hugs and Play - Building a strong attachment with your adoptive or foster child is one of the most important steps to helping your child heal. The book, Attaching Through Love, Hugs and Play: Simple Strategies to Help Build Connections with Your Child, by Deborah D. Gray offers straightforward advice on proven techniques to help your child attach.
5. Traits of Successful Adoptive Families (Focus on the Family) - Adoptive families make a commitment for life to their adoptive children. This commitment is not made just by parents; it also includes siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. The journey of adoption is a walk by faith that will take each family through challenges and blessings. Focus On The Family has created a four part series for adoptive families and those associated with families who adopt. Be encouraged by the words of Debi Grebenik as you navigate the life journey of adoption.
6. Grace Based Parenting - Family Matters provides a map for learning to see ourselves and our children through God’s limitless tenderness.
7. FASD: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder - FASD is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects may include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications. 

Our Efforts

There are a few ways to bless adoptive and foster care families through Oakwood, including sponsoring orphans in Latvia and making meals for local families. 

Learn More