Proverbs 22:6 tells us to train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old, they will not depart from it. Truly, there is no specification placed on the type of child that this applies to. This means that it is possible to train up an orphan in God’s way without them deviating from it. This is a special instruction given to foster parents too, whom the mantle of parenting orphans has been bestowed. It is a beautiful verse to walk by as a foster parent because you are constantly reminded how you ought to raise the foster child/ children God has blessed you with.
At Give Hope Ministries International, a unique strategy is implemented to give each child as much of a normal homely experience as possible through the establishment of households and families within the bigger group. Through this, children in each household relate with their foster parents and fellow adoptive siblings as a child with their biological family would. Of course, the Word of God is esteemed highly throughout their lives and they are introduced to the Gospel from an early age. The structures in place are made to mimic the ideal Christian home, in order to ensure they aren’t lacking whether in experience or understanding of what a believer’s family life ought to look like.
Having stuck to that technique of foster parenting, the orphans have been able to live in model setups that enable them to become better parents in future without feeling underprivileged. They learn by experience, how the family (which is the pillar of the church) ought to function in the Lord although their biological families are absent from the picture.
As we conclude, Luke 6:38 says, give and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be put in your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. Foster parents are some of the most blessed people we have on earth. The riches stored up for them in glory are accumulating with every minute that they sacrifice all they have for others, for this is the very gesture of love that Jesus Christ showed for us to emulate. For even, He says in John 15:13, greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. Just as foster parents have laid down their alternative life options for this noble course, they will receive their reward from God both here on earth and in heaven.
For those “Foster Parents” that are the partners in this ministry, we give Glory to GOD and so much gratitude for all you do in supporting the children and the ministry of Give Hope Ministries International. If you are not a partner of our ministry, please consider joining us by collaborating by volunteering or donating, so that we can continue, “fostering” what Jesus, stated were the least of these. “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’ Matthew 25:40 (KJV)
Post-Author is Donna Onjala a Christian Freelance Content Writer