God’s Got This: Praying For Kids In Foster CareНамуна

Communities of Care

You may have heard this term before, or it may be brand new to you. Social Science and scripture both support the idea that a child can thrive best when he or she is poured into from multiple sources.  The old adage - “it takes a village,” is never more true than when you are considering kids in care. 

There are a myriad of ways that a family can consider “adopting” a foster or adoptive family in real, support-filled ways. In our family, one of the greatest blessings has been the gift of food – already prepared, ready to nourish and ready to eat. When caring for a tribe of children (especially after a recent placement), setting up a meal train or a help list can be a game-changer as the family starts to find a new normal.

Another blessing came in the form of laundry support; adding kids to the nest means adding more mess. We have been blessed to have had friends literally come by to pick up our dirty laundry, returning the next day with freshly folded towels and t-shirts, which saved our family precious  minutes when we could otherwise be bonding.

You know your people – your neighbors, your friends and your congregation. Get to know them even better by asking what could bless them. For some it is transportation to tutors and after school activities; for others it may be a daily call or text to encourage them in this heart-work.

Others may crave a once a week respite in the form of a hike, walk or talk. Be creative and get your family involved. Pray for others in your circle to feel the burden and accept the charge of supporting those families who are doing the heavy lifting of fostering and adopting kids from hard places. Pray that God continues to soften your heart to  take next steps into this space.

Extra practical help may seem beyond your capacity, but many hands make light work. Get your kids’ school, your small group or your children’s Sunday school involved. God promises that his burden is light - and He will send you help to walk this calling out. 

Lord Jesus - we ask You right now to raise up communities of care for each foster and adoptive family. We pray for real community, and safe spaces. We pray that churches are orphan-care friendly, recognizing that kids in care may have needs additional to what a ‘typical ‘ child might need. Make us aware of the need and give us a willingness to meet it in whatever age or stage we find ourselves. Let these care communities be true blessings, looking for and meeting the  needs that the family faces. Help us to remember that we are all called to do something, and then burden us to do whatever You have called us to do. Amen