Finances are usually the major objection in people's minds when it comes to adoption. Let's face it, it's hard to think of writing checks for adoptions that could cost $25,000-50,000! Humanly speaking, we like to feel in control and on top of things financially. Most people don't have this kind of money lying around. But it's a matter of trusting God to provide if He's called you to the task. Is our God big enough to do this? Of course!
But where does all that money go? I think it's helpful for people to understand how adoption expenses can add up to such a big number. Here is a breakdown of some of the expenses related to an international adoption (that is, adopting a child from another country):
God provided for our agency application fee last week. This week we had our FBI background checks. Then it's on to our home study.
We are challenged by some great examples in church history to let our material wealth be used as a tool for God's glory instead of merely a means of securing comfort and pleasure for ourselves. While there's nothing wrong with buying new clothes, things for the house, toys for the kids, family vacations, we all know that Western society can go way overboard in trying to keep up with the neighbors. Does this glorify God? John Wesley is one great example of learning to live with "enough". Do you know his story? One year he figured out the amount of money he needed to cover expenses. What did he need to live... Not extravagantly, but -- what was enough? He came up with the figure of 28 pounds. Well, that year he made 30 pounds, so he was able to give 2 pounds away. The second year, his income was 60 pounds, so he was able to live off of 28 and give 32 away. By the third year, when his income was 90 pounds, he still lived off of 28. You can probably see the pattern by now. God continued to bless him, and he continued to use his material wealth as a tool. Eventually, John Wesley was one of England's wealthiest citizens, and by honoring God with his wealth, he was able to live on 2% of his income give 98% to the poor.
We want to leverage our money so that we can see it used for eternal treasure. The stuff of this world will soon decay, but reaching souls for Christ is spiritual treasure that is eternal! And right now our focus is on pursuing a little girl sitting in a Russian orphanage so that one day she will not only be our daughter, but our sister in Christ as well! Priceless.
But where does all that money go? I think it's helpful for people to understand how adoption expenses can add up to such a big number. Here is a breakdown of some of the expenses related to an international adoption (that is, adopting a child from another country):
- Agency Fee $6,400
- International Program Fee $19,300
- Travel Expenses -- 3 trips to Russia x 2 adults (approximately $1200 per person round trip), plus accommodations in Russia approximately $160-200 per room per night
God provided for our agency application fee last week. This week we had our FBI background checks. Then it's on to our home study.
We are challenged by some great examples in church history to let our material wealth be used as a tool for God's glory instead of merely a means of securing comfort and pleasure for ourselves. While there's nothing wrong with buying new clothes, things for the house, toys for the kids, family vacations, we all know that Western society can go way overboard in trying to keep up with the neighbors. Does this glorify God? John Wesley is one great example of learning to live with "enough". Do you know his story? One year he figured out the amount of money he needed to cover expenses. What did he need to live... Not extravagantly, but -- what was enough? He came up with the figure of 28 pounds. Well, that year he made 30 pounds, so he was able to give 2 pounds away. The second year, his income was 60 pounds, so he was able to live off of 28 and give 32 away. By the third year, when his income was 90 pounds, he still lived off of 28. You can probably see the pattern by now. God continued to bless him, and he continued to use his material wealth as a tool. Eventually, John Wesley was one of England's wealthiest citizens, and by honoring God with his wealth, he was able to live on 2% of his income give 98% to the poor.
We want to leverage our money so that we can see it used for eternal treasure. The stuff of this world will soon decay, but reaching souls for Christ is spiritual treasure that is eternal! And right now our focus is on pursuing a little girl sitting in a Russian orphanage so that one day she will not only be our daughter, but our sister in Christ as well! Priceless.
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