Do you think that those who pray are more likely then others to seek out special needs children to adopt? Do parents who do not pray, later seek out a higher authority for strength and perseverance after parenting a special needs child? Do those without the power of prayer to help them through the tough times end up choosing not to parent traumatized children?

I have had conversations with hundreds of foster and adoptive families of special needs children over the 14 years that we have been licensed foster parents. Inevitably, the conversations turn to techniques for parenting special needs children. When I mention the power of prayer and how it has helped our family through the trials of parenting traumatized children, I hear similar testimonies from most foster and adoptive families.

Many Christian families, including mine, see parenting traumatized children as a full time ministry. Of the 100 plus children, we have parented over the years; only two or three had ever been to church before coming to our home.

The Bible gives us several passages to let us know that parenting children is a ministry within the will of God. Specifically we are told to look after orphans in their distress. Obviously traumatized orphans and those residing in orphanages would be in distress and worthy of having us look after them.

Psalm 127:3-5 - Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. (NIV)

James 1:27 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. (NIV)

Mark 10:14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. (NIV)

Mark 9:37 "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

Psalm 72:4 He will defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; he will crush the oppressor. (NIV)

One of the reasons that I have interacted with so many, is that our family is quite large, which sometimes causes people to ask questions, which provides an opportunity to recruit. Another reason is that for about five years, I mentored new foster and adoptive parents of special needs children to help prevent the disruption of new placements. I’ve volunteered at our Resource center for about 12 years, which makes me easily accessible to other foster and adoptive families, and now I write blogs on the subject.

How to Discipline Your Chosen Child in the Will of God
How to Set Up Your Special Need’s Trust Fund
Deciding to Homeschool
The Child’s Best Interest? Adoption and Foster Care

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