To be known. To be loved. To belong.
These are the deep longings of every human heart. Yet for more than 140 million orphaned children worldwide, these desires go unmet. Of those children, less than half of one percent will ever be adopted, and for most, adoption is not the answer. Yet for others, adoption is the exact, best answer to their plight.
Scripture tells us that until Christ returns, the poor and vulnerable will always be among us. As the Body of Christ, we are not called to look away — we are called to step up.
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. As we celebrate the immeasurable joy and love that individuals with Down syndrome bring to our lives, we must not forget the countless children with Down syndrome and other special needs who wait in orphanages around the world for a family to call their own.
These precious children are too often viewed as outcasts, unseen and undervalued by society. Yet it is exactly these who Jesus spent much of his earthly ministry serving. Those whom culture ignores or rejects, Jesus embraces. And as his Church, he calls us to do the same.
Children with Down syndrome or other disabilities are among some of the most marginalized and overlooked people in the world. While many societies attempt to erase their existence as though their lives are less valuable through genocidal strategies masquerading as “prenatal screening initiatives,” even our own nation is not innocent. Through selective abortions, America participates in the quiet eradication of those whom God has created with infinite worth.
However, historically, there is something America has done better than most other nations — international adoption. I have the privilege of serving as the Vice President of International Adoption for Lifeline Children’s Services, the largest evangelical Christian adoption agency in the United States. At Lifeline, the heart of our mission goes beyond simply providing safety and permanence to orphaned children. Our mission is in part to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the life-giving Gospel of Jesus Christ to vulnerable children through God’s intended context, family.
Practically, this purpose is evident as we desire to see children being raised in homes where they will learn about Jesus and experience His love. Our mission is further fulfilled as we champion the needs of children first. Over the past several years, the demographic of children eligible for international adoption and the international adoption process have changed significantly. One of the greatest needs orphaned children have is for families to be open to adopting those living with Down syndrome or other special needs.
Adoption is more than giving an orphan a home. It is providing a permanent, loving family to a child who has been labeled “unworthy” because of his or her abilities, status, or number of chromosomes. It is being the hands and feet of Jesus.Truly living out the radical good news of the Gospel is to recognize that these individuals have immeasurable value and are deeply cherished by God, and to know that many of our greatest blessings flow from joyful obedience in serving those He has called us to serve.
This is the beautiful, upside-down kingdom of God — where the last are first, the meek inherit the earth and the persecuted are blessed.
Yet, on this side of eternity, good is often called evil, and evil is called good. Some claim that international adoption causes harm to orphaned children. While I would be remiss to overlook the corruption that has taken place in international adoption, it would be both unwise and untrue to paint all international adoption as harmful. In reality, when done ethically and prayerfully, it is profoundly redemptive, and according to the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5, our ambassadorship to this world is one of reconciliation. The ministry of reconciliation means bringing the power of the Gospel to bear in places of brokenness so that Jesus’ work begins to bring redemption right here, right now, not waiting for eternity to experience the Kingdom of God.
International adoption has transformed countless lives, for both the children adopted and the families who welcome them. For many children, adoption is the only hope for a life marked by love, purpose and dignity. As Christ followers, we should refuse to let the truly marginalized, fatherless and vulnerable be ignored or overshadowed.
Imagine a world where there is a waiting list of families eager to adopt a child with special needs — where children who have been told they are unwanted instead see tangible proof that they are fearfully and wonderfully made.That is the kind of love that changes lives. That is the Gospel lived out.
All of us are called to care for the vulnerable. How will you respond to what God is calling you to do?
