Early in the Old Testament, we see how essential the care of children who have been orphaned is to God, and from the establishment of his Church in the New Testament, that priority remains evident.
Justice is a fundamental part of God’s character, as we are shown in the Bible. That even one child does not know the love of a family is a great injustice, and there are millions of children living in this reality. The words of the Bible call God’s people to actively pursue meeting the needs of children who have been orphaned, and a great place to start is through prayer. Your actions matter and there are many ways you can help make a difference. God promises protection and help for those who cannot protect themselves, and he redeems injustice through his unfailing love. He also asks us to do something about it. God invites everyone to play his or her part in working toward justice.
Our goal for 2023 is to continue to pursue meeting the needs of orphaned children and adoptive families by equipping the local church and more. As we have said before, when we meet the needs of the family, our communities will flourish. One way we plan to meet those needs is through the One Family Community Center. The OneFamily Community Center will exist to train the local community to raise up and support families, children, and sibling groups who need temporary homes through foster care, or forever homes through adoption. It will provide resources to help families, train churches, and partner with businesses to enrich our community and beyond. Here are 10 declarations that God gave Stephen Hogue for us to declare out loud about the goal of the OneFamily Community Center:
People are called by God to care well for children who have been orphaned, through their giving. OneFamily provides creative ways to get involved and make a difference. As you consider how God may be calling you to care for waiting children, take heart. “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
The OneFamily Community Center
The OneFamily Community Center will exist to train the local community to raise up and support families, children and sibling groups who need temporary homes through foster care, or forever homes through adoption. It will provide resources to help families, train churches, and partner with businesses to enrich our community and beyond. Below are a few of the primary focuses of the center:
Family Prayer Room
Prayer sessions throughout the week where families can come to receive prayer and encouragement. We believe that true healing comes from the Presence of God.
Training
Church foster care ministry leaders/volunteers training. Training and equipping for foster and post adoptive families.
Resources
We will have much needed resources stored and ready to go for foster families when they receive a child placement. The resources will include cribs, high chairs, car seats, beds, diapers, wipes, formula etc. For first time placements, each child will receive a Promise Pack, which includes a pillow case, Bible, toothbrush, toothpaste, coloring book, colored pencils, flashlight and other necessities for the child to keep in their own cinch bag.
Counseling/Inner Healing
Many families who have been called to foster and adopt face many challenges. The root of many of theses issues is spiritual. We will have a team of counselors and ministers who will help parents and children get healed and walk in wholeness.
2023 is going to be an amazing year, and we know that God has big plans for OneFamily and our communities that we serve. We would ask that you help us reach our goal of acquiring the funds we need to secure the building we will turn into the OneFamily Community Center. Please share this email or this page with those you know that can make a difference financially.
If you would like your church to know more about OneFamily, and how important it is for the local church to have a ministry of helping orphans and widows within your community, we suggest that you invite Stephen Hogue to speak at your church. Stephen is available throughout the year, within the greater Central Florida area, and beyond. Simply click the button below and fill out the short form at the bottom of the page to send us your contact information so we can follow-up with you on a schedule.
FREE Book Study:
Join Sandra Hogue for a FREE book study each month as she will dissect Karyn Purvis
' well-known book: The Connected Child, for parents who have welcomed children from other countries and cultures, from troubled backgrounds, and/or with behavioral or emotional needs. It is also recommended for church leaders, teachers, or anyone who works with children from 'hard places.'
The Connected Child will help you:
Build bonds of affection and trust with your foster/adopted child
Effectively deal with any learning or behavioral disorders
Discipline your child with love without making him or her feel threatened
It is recommended that you purchase the book. However, it is NOT required to participate in the ZOOM call. Register in advance for this FREE book review: Wednesday, January 18 - 8:00 PM ET. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
2023 OneFamily Vision Dinner
We hope you will mark your calendars and make plans to join us for our second annual OneFamily Vision Dinner. It will be located in Daytona Beach, FL, with delicious food, live music, desserts, and a ministry presentation. Keep watch for future correspondence via email and social media to register for this grand event! We can’t wait to see you there!
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