Sunset of 2007

The sun was already below the horizon as my flight took off from Greensboro to Memphis this afternoon. As we took off the sky was clear and I could tell from the orange glow that I was looking to the west from my window seat. As we began to ascend the sky became brighter and then as we continued I could begin to see the sun. What a beautiful image as the sky became brighter and a rainbow of colors appeared. I thought about an attempt to capture a memory on my camera and decided it wouldn’t be worthwhile since a little pocket Sony Cybershot just doesn’t do a sunset justice. As I experienced this for the first time, a few thoughts came to mind. The sunset reminded me of 2007 fading off but also of the exciting times that lay ahead as we continue to rise above many obstacles for 2008.

1. Obstacles that keep families from adopting and the amazing ministry of The ABBA Fund that will help families overcome the financial barriers. Also the partnership of Family Life, Focus on the Family, Shaohannahs Hope, Crown Financial ministries and the numerous other organizations that are working together to establish a unified effort to care for orphans.
2. Obstacles that keep orphans and children from receiving basic neccessities and how ministries like Living Hope International, Love Without Boundaries, Children’s Hopechest, Half the Sky, Life International, Hope for the Fatherless, Shaohannah’s Hope and many others facilitate care givers, medical needs and sugeries, educational and spiritual growth.
3. Obstacles that keep countries from being able to care for their own orphans and vulnerable children. Whether it be cultural challenges, poverty, disease or just lack of resources and training. Organizations like Humanitarian International Services Group, The Global Orphan Care Foundation, Global Action for Children, Embrace Uganda and others are making a difference by engaging with the “local” organizations in-country that are caring for orphans.

I’m excited to see what 2008 will bring as we work together to care for orphans and try to network with others to create awareness. I am also sobered by the thought of how many children will try to sleep tonight without the love of a mother or father. My prayer is that God will use all of us to have an impact for the fatherless. Let’s be passionate about caring for orphans and helping families adopt in 2008!