4 Reasons To Consider Foster-Parenting - Lee Snow

There are many ministries that are near and dear to my heart in addition to the PFP. One of which, and probably the most important outside of my worship to God and faithfulness to His Word is that of foster-care. My wife, Rebeka, and I have been working with the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services now for about two years from the time we first began our journey into foster-care until now and because of our involvement we have learned a lot about ourselves, our fellow man and our Lord. 

I wanted to take just a moment and encourage all of our readers to at least consider becoming Foster Parents for 4 main reasons. Here they are...

Christians Take Care of the Needy

"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans...." - James 1:27

In what is probably the biggest motivation to ALL Christians in opening their homes to foster young children, James made it clear that Christians take an active roll in helping those who are in need. There are currently about 500,000 children in "the system" in the US with only about a tenth of that number foster parents (50,000). Friends, there is a tremendous need for these children to have loving, protective homes and as Christians it is our responsibility to step to the plate if we are able. 

Children are Fundamental to Christianity

"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God" - Luke 18:16

How many times are children mentioned in the New Testament alone? (The word is used over in over 200 verses) Christianity has a very special place for children because God wants us to become as babies (Matthew 18:3), take care of children (James 1:27) and even protect our children with our lives (cf. 1 Timothy 5:8). However you look at it, children are important to God, and therefore they ought to be important to us. 

"The Lord watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; but the way of the wicked He turns upside down" - Psalm 146:9

You Will Have Influence in the Lives of the Lost

When we began our journey into foster-care I had a faint idea of this fact but it wasn't until we "got our feet wet" that I truly saw the influence one Christian family can have on the lives of those who are lost. By becoming foster parents we've been able to host IMPACT (foster-parent training) at church buildings owned by the church, met forever friends and been able to let them see what the church really is without the sigma and presumptions so many have today, affect the lives of our children's biological parents by mentoring and counseling them through their trials and temptations and much, much more! Remember, evangelism isn't just sitting down across the table with an open Bible and teaching a person some Biblical principle or the history of Christ's church, it is also living as a beacon of light in this horribly dark world!

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:16

You Will Grow As A Disciple of Jesus Christ

Nothing has been more enriching to my faith than this experience! Yes, we've been put face to face with some very difficult situations and my blood boils at the thought of what some children have had to endure, but I've also learned of the love of God and the ability for people to change. I've met children who have been through more trauma than any person should have to be subjected to or even read about but I've seen how, with God's grace, we can overcome our pasts to live productive lives. I've seen people working together to help those in need. And while I will be the first to admit that "the system" is broken in places, I've seen how it can, with effort from those who truly care, make a difference. 

I'm not one to sugar coat this issue. Many of you are not cut out to be foster-parents, I know that. It takes a specific type of person to make it through with your hairline intact. But let me encourage everyone who reads this to do your research, contemplate what it will take, count the costs and at least consider becoming a foster-parent for your local state-run foster care department. It will change your life and it will change the lives of others!