One of the biggest setbacks that
hinders families from pursuing adoption is the cost of adopting. How will we ever afford $20,000+ in adoption
fees? Most families don’t have a $20,000-$30,000 stashed aside waiting for a
rainy day.
We shouldn’t adopt if we can’t afford the adoption fees
I hear this myth from folks
within and outside of the adoption community who are not in favor of
fundraising. Some even say that if you
can’t afford the adoption, then you can’t afford to raise a child. Let’s take a second and break this
apart. I’d make a guess that the
majority of pregnant mothers don’t have $20,000+ in their savings account. Does this mean women shouldn’t get pregnant
unless they have a significant savings? If
this were the case our population would drop dramatically. Adoption is unique in that a huge chunk of
money is due upfront in addition to the accruing costs associated with raising
a child. It is wise for families to
discuss all the costs associated with adoption and child rearing prior to
starting the adoption process. However,
don’t let the adoption costs scare you.
We serve a big God who is faithful to provide for families He calls to
adopt.
I just couldn’t ask other people for money
I completely understand when
families have hesitations about asking family and friends to support them
financially. My husband and I have been
there before. When fundraising, it’s
crucial to lay your pride aside and focus on the bigger picture. Whether you are adopting due to infertility
or because God has laid it on your hearts, God loves adoption. If your family and friends are Christians and
understand the way adoption represents the Gospel, they will be supportive of
your efforts. In my personal experience,
for every 1 negative response we received during our fundraising efforts there
were 200+ people supporting us wholeheartedly!
I have watched dozens of
families, including my own, raise every single penny necessary to complete
their adoption. I have heard story after
story of how $1450 was due and the family found a $1450 check waiting in their
mailbox the next day from a family friend who had no idea that’s exactly what
they needed. God is faithful to provide
for families in His timing. Don’t be
embarrassed that you can’t do this on your own.
Most families can’t. God will use
others to humble you and teach you amazing things about the generosity of His
people. Realize that this fundraising
deal isn’t always about you. The Lord might be using YOUR story to do a work in
the hearts of others.
Over the course of the next several weeks, I will be having other adoptive families share tips, unique fundraising ideas, and what God taught them through fundraising. Stay tuned!!
Over the course of the next several weeks, I will be having other adoptive families share tips, unique fundraising ideas, and what God taught them through fundraising. Stay tuned!!
Interested in receiving more
information about fundraising and access to resources to help you fund your adoption?
Then working with an adoption consultant might be a good fit for your
family. Email me at leah@christianadoptionconsultants.com.
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