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 Did You Know...
That there are two million children living in orphanages in Russia and China? That there are millions of other children worldwide waiting to know the love of a permanent family? That in the United States, there are half a million children in foster care, many of whom are waiting to be adopted? That one in five couples experiences infertility, pregnancy loss, or infant death? That in the U.S. alone, there are 1.3 million induced abortions performed each year?
Our Christian Response
These facts are daunting, but God has shown us how we should respond. Scripture is filled with examples of a Christian’s response to a hurting world. The purpose of Bethany’s Champions for Children program is to help meet the needs of vulnerable children and families in our community, our nation, and our world. By becoming a Champion for Children, you can help ensure that one thing these forgotten children will never be without is HOPE.
What Champions for Children Do
There are many ways that Champions for Children can assist children and families, both locally and internationally. Champions for Children are involved in a variety of activities, depending on the specific services offered by the local Bethany office. Champions may choose to do the following:
- Encourage the church secretary to include Bethany announcements in the church bulletin or newsletter. View sample announcements
 Be watchful for opportunities to refer to Bethany individuals or families who may be interested in adoption, facing a crisis pregnancy, struggling with infertility, or who want to become a volunteer.
- Meet with the pastor to provide information about how Bethany Christian Services serves vulnerable children and families.
- Display and distribute Bethany’s printed materials— such as posters and LifeLines magazines—to staff and church members, as appropriate.
- Provide a list of speakers from Bethany for Sunday school classes, church services, or training workshops.
- Encourage the church to distribute Bethany’s bulletin inserts during November (National Adoption Month) and on Sanctity of Human Life Sunday in January.
- Follow-up with appropriate church leaders to see if they have received Bethany’s request for offerings/support and be willing to personally encourage support for Bethany.
 Qualifications for Becoming a Champion for Children
As a Champion for Children, you would:
- Be an adult in good standing with your church.
- Have a passion for helping vulnerable children and families.
- Have some knowledge about Bethany Christian Services and be willing to receive training for achieving the purpose described above.
- Be willing to speak positively about Bethany’s ministry. However, Champions do not have to be "public speakers."
- Be willing to keep Bethany informed about the activities/efforts you engage in as a Champion for Children.
- Have an e-mail address that you use regularly.
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