Moses. Samuel. Esther. Jesus.

What do these four Biblical figures have in common?

Moses was raised in an Egyptian palace after his biological mother courageously and sacrificially saved his life.

Samuel’s mother was faithful and obedient to God, giving her son to be raised in the temple by Eli, the priest.

Esther was raised by her cousin Mordecai who encouraged her and taught her to fear the Lord.

Jesus was adopted by his earthly father Joseph and raised as one of his own.

The adoptive and biological parents of Moses, Samuel, Esther and Jesus never could have imagined what their children would one day accomplish.

God used Moses to rescue the Israelites from Egypt.

God used Samuel to guide and lead his people during the days of the Judges and early kings.

God used Esther to save the entire Jewish race.

God used Jesus to rescue all of humanity from a life and death apart from Him.

Throughout history, God has used unlikely family dynamics to change the world. He has called ordinary men and women to step out in faith and care for those around them. And He has called the Church to do the same.

James 1:27 tells us, “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.”

We know that the heart of God is revealed through our willingness to care for the vulnerable and defenseless. His Kingdom comes to earth when families allow Him to use them for His purposes.

The foster and adoptive families we serve have allowed God to use their unconventional families to change their homes, churches, schools, and communities. We are honored to watch God change hearts and lives through their willingness to answer His Call. Will you allow Him to use you too?