Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Didn't see this coming

One year ago, I was preaching through a sermon series on "pictures of grace." I was preaching through the word pictures that Paul used to describe our salvation. On the third Sunday of July 2009, I came to the next word picture, adoption. I studied Paul's words to the Galatians and his words to the Romans. "For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption by sons as which we call out 'father, dear father.'"Romans 8:15. I knew that Lorrie had been praying about adoption, but I had rejected the idea for no good reason. But sitting at my desk, studying that Scripture, God grabbed my heart. I was an orphan, adopted by a heavenly father and given a second chance on eternal life. How could I withhold the same from someone else? That day I drove home, sat down with Lorrie and discussed adoption for the first time. Here we are a year later, leaving for Beijing a week from tomorrow. Guo Fufeng is six, abandoned by his parents before his first birthday. He has never known a birthday party, Christmas morning, family gatherings, and most importantly Jesus Christ. That is all about to change. On Sunday, July 18th I will hold him in my arms for the first time. This homeless orphan whose parent's threw him away will meet his forever family, and I can certainly understand that feeling. The world threw me away too, but my heavenly father opened his arms as well on Calvary to give me an eternal home. Me and this little guy have more in common than you might think.

2 comments:

  1. Kevin,

    Thank you for your blog. My wife and I have been waiting for a referral from Albania for 2 years now and it seems like they are closing quickly. We are considering other countries and China is at the top of the list. We're praying for God's direction and will be following your trip through your blog. I'm excited to see what He will do in your family and possibly in ours through your trip (no pressure :)). May God bless your travels and more importantly, your family.

    Ray

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  2. We are praying with you for a perfect trip. Thank you for taking the time to make this blog so we can come along. :) We are so excited to meet Brodie too. We love you all - 6!!! ~ Kelly
    Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
    I will bring your children from the east
    and gather you from the west. Isaiah 43:5

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