The Widow Project

We’re really excited about today's project, one that God dropped right into our hearts.  I’ve quoted James 1:27 in other posts, but it’s usually in emphasis of the word “orphan” –  “Religion that God the Father accepts as pure and without fault is this:  caring for orphans or widows who need help."  Well, what about the widow?  Where can God’s heart for the widow fit into our adoption plans? 

As we’ve tried to creatively figure out our adoption funding, we came across an innovative fundraising idea.  Here’s the story: through a grief ministry, we met a widow I’ll call “Lady L.”  She has two children – twins – who will be 9 years old on Valentine’s day.  Since her husband’s death last spring, her home projects have piled up.

So, we gathered an incredible group of family and friends for a mini-version of “Extreme Makeover Home Edition.”  This morning, we’re loading up vans with paintbrushes, ladders, lumber, cleaning supplies, mulch, and so much more. We'll take care of Lady L’s “honey-do” list . . . all free of charge with no-strings attached!  When we told her our plans to give a free day of labor, she was absolutely floored.  We knew God led us to the right family when Lady L said she had just prayed for someone to help her … and soon after, we called.

What does all this have to do with our adoption funds?  This is the other part that blows me away.  Not only are the amazing volunteers on our team joining us in a physical labor of love this week-end, but they mailed hundreds of letters asking for sponsorships . . . sponsorships which will go 100% towards our Ethiopian adoption expenses.  In essence, they are caring for the widow in service and caring for the orphan with financial sponsorships!

Every day, our kids run to the mailbox, looking for white envelopes arriving with this sponsorship money.  Imagine 4 little faces and 1 grateful mama doing the “happy dance” at the mailbox around 1PM everyday!  With every gift, I love hearing 4-year old Sam say, “God brought us more “doption” money.”  Through the gifts of both friends and strangers, we see God’s heart in action.  We are deeply humbled and thankful. 

In case you want to contribute towards this “Widow/Orphan” Project, it’s pretty simple.  You can click on the DONATE tab at the top of this blog, and make a tax-deductible donation via Paypal.  Or you can just send an email to jessicaforrester@allnationschurch.org, and I can give you more traditional payment information.  Above all, we covet your prayers that we will be a huge blessing to “Lady L” and this paves the way to bring “Baby Forrester” home. 

With love and thanks,

Jessica

P.S.  If you have friends or family who may want to get involved with a sponsorship gift, feel free to share this post on Facebook or Twitter by clicking on the “Share” tab.