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 Vision of the ministry
Presently our office in Kalamazoo is deeply concerned about the crisis regarding the lack of foster families and adoptive forever families in Southwest Michigan. Currently there are 384 children in Southwest Michigan in foster care who need good families to care for them. There are 237 children available for adoption.
God has commanded us in many verses throughout the Old and New Testament to care for orphans. One popular verse found in James 1:27-28 says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” God Himself has modeled taking care of orphans perfectly by the illustration of adoption through salvation. Ephesians 1:4-5 says, “In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”
Bethany takes seriously God’s Word and His heart to care for the orphaned. That is why we have begun an initiative to raise awareness, advocate, and connect with churches on behalf of the thousands of children in foster care. The partnership of Bethany and the local church is essential to fulfilling the mission that God has given us, so we hope you will take the time to prayerfully consider partnering with us.
What a partnership between your church and Bethany looks like
Bethany will assist your church in starting a foster care orphans ministry through implementing the steps explained in “Launching an Orphans Ministry in Your Church.”
We understand that every church has its unique DNA and way of running various programs and ministries. That’s why we chose “Launching an Orphans Ministry in Your Church” produced by FamilyLife Publishing. This resource is an excellent tool for guiding churches through the beginning stages of developing a foster care ministry. As you navigate through the steps, Bethany will walk with you as much or as little as your church desires.
Bethany will provide on-site orientation training to all families interested in foster care and adoption.
Orientation training is a State of Michigan requirement for all families interested in becoming a foster family or an adoptive family. The orientation will be conducted by one of our professional staff members at your church. During orientation families will learn the process needed to become a licensed foster family and adoptive family, information on some of the services Bethany provides, needs of foster children, needs of foster families, the impact of fostering on foster families, subsidy programs, and training requirements.
Bethany will provide experienced professionals to assist families with the legal aspects of foster care and adoption, such as procedures and paperwork.
For some, the process may seem daunting. Bethany’s team of experienced professionals, however, works to guide each family every step of the way. Our staff is always open and available to answer any questions a family or church staff member may have.
Bethany will continue to assist your church after the establishment of a foster care orphans ministry through means such as facilitating support groups and on-site training.
As your foster care orphans ministry continues to grow so will your needs. Bethany is committed to the partnership and will not abandon your church after the ministry is established. In fact, Bethany looks forward to being creative in meeting the unique needs of your growing ministry.
What your church can do
Bethany will send a representative to your church to share additional information, resources and work one on one with your church and congregation. Start by contacting Bethany Christian Services of SW Michigan and Kalamazoo at 269.372.8800 to set up an appointment.
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