Adoption offers a chance at a new beginning for many children cared for by state and private agencies and international orphan situations. Families constitute the building blocks of God's Kingdom. A strong family unit provides an orphan with the love and security that is needed to ensure that they grow into healthy adults and a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. James 1:27 says, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (NIV).
Adoption is part of the Great Commission, and we see that God's heart of compassion for the fatherless is clearly expressed throughout Scripture. We see adoption by believers as "missions in reverse" because adoption provides an opportunity to reach across the globe and bring children into homes where Jesus is present and God's Word is central.
The decision to adopt
Because the adoption of children needs to be planned, within reason, a decision to adopt must be made with prayer and the counsel of mature and trusted Christians.
In addition, inviting input from family members could be both insightful and helpful.
Other factors that need to be considered before making a decision to adopt: (1) meeting eligibility standards; (2) travel requirements; (3) the availability of the child desired; (4) willingness to adopt a special needs or biracial child; (5) the length of the process; and (6) the cost.
Cost of adoption
Depending on the circumstances, the cost of adoption can range between nothing to $30,000. Adoption from the foster care system may not cost anything at all and a subsidy may be available. Adoption domestically or internationally can cost between $10,000 to over $30,000. Some of these typical costs can include: adoption agency fees, attorney and legal fees, medical expenses, child-placement agency fees, court fees, filing fees, foster care/orphanage reimbursement, home study and home study follow-up fees, locating fee (if applicable), post-placement supervision expense, finalization fees, birth mother expenses, travel expenses, in-country travel and lodging (international), government filing fees.
Funding an adoption
Many options exist to help families bridge the gap between their budgets and the costs for adoption. The US government provides a federal tax credit per child adopted in a tax year (which for tax year 2007, was a maximum of $11,390 - see www.irs.ustreas.gov) and some states offer up to $10,000 tax credits (Georgia's was $10,160 for 2006). Many corporations offer adoption assistance programs (www.adopting.org), and the US military offers a non-recurring subsidy for military personnel (www.militaryadoption.com).
LifeSong for Orphans (formerly Life International) offers a Matching Grant program that encourages couples to raise funds from their friends, family, and church family to match the funds available from LifeSong. This mobilizes the Body of Christ and leverages funds to help bridge the financial gap. LifeSong also offers Fundraising Support by receiving tax-deductible donations on behalf of the adopting family along with providing a support-raising kit. Family and friends are a great resource and blessing when families make their need known in their efforts to adopt. The Matching Grant and Fundraising Support gives adoptive families an excitement and comfort level to invite supporters to give financially, and also enables supporters to give in a tax-deductible way.
Other agencies such as Shaohannah's Hope (www.shaohannahshope.org) and Caroline's Promise (www.carolinespromise.org) offer direct grants for those families in the adoption process.
Borrowing to adopt
Scripture very clearly says that neither borrowing nor lending is prohibited, but firm guidelines are given. Borrowing is discouraged and, in fact, every biblical reference to it is a negative one (see Proverbs 22:7), accompanied by a warning.
It can be tempting to borrow money in less than ideal ways (i.e. credit cards, home equity loans, etc.), but there are other alternatives available. Interest-free loans are offered by some Christian ministries that will not charge interest and are designed to have a solid method of repayment through the Federal Adoption Tax Credit. For more information, visit LifeSong for Orphans or ABBA Fund.
If you are seeking the Lord's will for your life and in the life of an orphan who needs a home, and are obedient to His call, He will provide a way for you to finance it without having to jeopardize your future. Matthew 6:31-33 says, "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (NIV). In Philippians 4:19 we read, "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (NIV).
Equipping the local Church
Some organizations help churches set up a Local Church Adoption Fund to provide direct grants, matching grants, etc. for families in their congregations. Visit these Web sites for more information: http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/helpOrphan.html and www.abbafund.org.
Also, many options are available for churches to sponsor orphans overseas, as many trusted organizations have worthy causes in orphanages across the globe. The potential outreach is unlimited. Visit www.cryoftheorphan.org for more information.
Conclusion
The financial barriers to adoption can seem overwhelming, but fortunately, we do not have to look at the outward appearance of things; we can look to the One who controls all the circumstances of our lives.
If a couple feels strongly that God is directing them to adopt and/or to reach out to an orphan, they should begin to save and to prepare for the expenses, and to prayerfully make their needs known to their church, family, and friends. If God is truly leading a couple to adopt, He will be faithful to provide for all of the financial needs.
