The Sunday Newspaper carried an article about a family adopting two small boys from Haiti. Did you by chance see it? Our compassion goes to the orphans, and we admire people who take them into their hearts and homes. I wonder if anyone else besides me wonders, “Could I ever do something as wonderful as this?” There is certainly a giant need. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services and our Circle of Care are bursting at the seams under the weight of children and youth needing a safe place to stay.
First, I have to admit that at this stage in life it probably would not work. Lynne or I would have to quit our job, or our adopted kid (s) would have to stay at home by themselves most of the time. If my son and daughter were still teenagers it might work. Even then it would probably stretch our love and patience. But I am sure adoptive parents find that the rewards usually outweigh the time and energy required.
On the other hand, maybe I could be an adoptive parent…. spiritually speaking. Lesty Baxter, Ruth Ann Ferguson and I recently discussed the absence of younger folks in our congregation. Do we really want to have younger folks join us? Do you remember how Abraham and Sarah responded when God told them they would have a child in their older years?
They laughed!
I bet God laughed with them, for joy that is. He told them to name their first child “Isaac” which in Hebrew means laughter. Just suppose my wife Lynne literally found she was “with child” Do you hear the joyful laughter? Listen also to the “God, you must be kidding. At our age?” But when God gives you a child, God makes a way.
Now let’s make no mistake about it. Babies equal diapers and teenagers a boom box. Likewise, nurturing new disciples for Christ will not be without its challenges, especially when we tend to be more fixed in our ways, entering our golden years. The United Methodist Oklahoma Conference has a strategic statement. “We want to reach more new people, more young people, and more diverse people for Jesus Christ.” Some of us will not be able to climb the Jungle Gym with a toddler, but we can pray, give, relate, and love them in our own way. How? Someone brought pizza for our youth the last two Sundays. Chris Wagner serves in the children’s classroom as a shepherd. Ushers train a younger man in this role, or teach him how to witness. Together we can reach out and embrace new people of all ages and races. This is what it means to be in mission with Jesus. The best part is this; we don’t do it alone. “Behold, I am with you till the end of age” (Matthew 28:20).
Glad to Be Your Pastor,
Dr. Bob