Since the need in foster care is so great, we tend to put on pedestals those who help many. I remember hearing of a wonderful woman who cared for more than thirty foster children, seeing them through high school and many even went on to graduate college. We applaud her and marvel at all of the children who came through her home. She has done incredible work and that should be celebrated!
While a desire to care for the next child, and the next, and the next, can be good and generous, it just isn’t the pathway for all of us. And that’s okay. A life of obedience to Jesus and His calling will look different for everyone. Therefore, I think we need to also celebrate success stories of individuals and families who are able to foster just one.
I know a family God led to foster care. They felt deeply the call to care for children and jumped in with prayer and excitement, intending to welcome many children into their home and hopefully be forever-family to a few. After hours of foster training classes and paperwork, they were finally licensed and almost immediately received placement of a sweet boy, all ready to be adopted! After a whirlwind few months, he was theirs forever! But the story shifted, and now he might be their only child adopted through the foster system. And you know what? That is okay! Every hour of effort and heartache given to reach the point of uniting with their son was worth it . . . it was all worth it. Their story should also be celebrated.
Our God is a God of the small. He Himself is not small–not in the least! By “God of the small” I mean, even if our efforts are small in quantity or size, they can still be counted as great and significant in God’s Kingdom. Remember these stories from Jesus’ time on earth? The mustard seed (Mark 4). The one lost sheep (Luke 15). The widow’s small offering (Mark 12). The five loaves and two fish (John 6). God does not disregard their smallness, but each is turned into something valuable in the Master’s hand. The mustard seed grows into a tree. The sheep is found and rejoiced over. The widow’s offering given in faith was of great value in Jesus’ eyes. And the small meal was multiplied to serve a multitude.
So it is with our efforts to help children in hard places: God does not disregard what we can give on behalf of a single child. Since each soul is of infinite worth, rescuing and loving one is significant. I believe giving love and energy (perhaps even your entire life!) for just one precious child is BIG in God’s eyes. Fostering many or one should be celebrated!
Can you foster three months and help one teenager in transition? Worth it!
Can you foster for respite and love on a child for a weekend? Worth it!
Can you do all the classes and paperwork to foster one child for six months? Worth it!
Can you foster one child for three years until they reunite with biological family? Worth it!
Can you foster one child and adopt them for life? Worth it!
Do you feel God stirring?
Then do it.
Take steps to help one.
More reading . . . Go Find One
Thankful for you!!