If you’re a baseball fan, we have officially entered what some call the “dog days of summer.” The heat has produced more than a few days over 100 degrees. It’s been hot. Thankfully, the temperature isn’t the only thing heating up. I’m happy to report to each of you, as sustaining financial and prayer partners, that God is on the move.

Over the last month, I was able to speak at a Men’s Area Fellowship in Maroa, IL where the 50 men in attendance raised over $600 dollars to support the cause.

August is also the month when Walnut Grove Christian Church’s Auction for Adoption Grants begins. We’ve been blown away by the response. People have sacrificially donated items ranging from household goods, collectibles, and firearms to a Harley Davidson motorcycle along with a vehicle or two. Our goal is to hit $10,000 for adoption grants by using what we already own but might not need. It’s a picture from the early church in Acts, as believers sacrificed their goods for one another, honoring God by loving others.

In August we are blessed to announce that three separate congregations are raising funds for GWMAW. Charleston's Praise Assembly and Salem's Emmanuel Baptist Church both took up love offerings. Arcola's First Christian Church set a goal to raise $2,000. Three other churches are meeting in the next month to consider supporting adoption grants. Please be in prayer for the leaders and decision-makers in each congregation.

Last month, I shared with you how a local couple (Kevin and Amanda) were on their way to the Philippines to pick up their 4 children. What a blessing the last few weeks have been welcoming this expanded family home and getting to meet four lovely children with big, bright, and beautiful smiles. Kevin and Amanda shared that on their trip to the orphanage, they talked with a sweet girl who was about to turn 16 years old. She is the oldest of four siblings and is just two years away from aging out.  Amanda put it eloquently:

“With worry in her eyes, she tells us that she has been praying every day that she can have a family too. That she can stay with her siblings. That they will not be separated…"

Could you be the family this sweet girl is praying so hard for?

Do you know the family this sweet girl is praying so hard for?

In the end, helping someone adopt children like these is why GWMAW exists! If you feel God nudging you to respond to this young woman’s prayer or if you talk to a couple interested, but hesitating because of the financial burden of a sibling group adoption, I’ll make you a promise. Here it goes: I’ll do everything in my power to help overcome the financial hurdles.

Over the next month, please join me in praying for God to continue opening doors to new partners and new parents for the children that need a forever home!

...

Sincerely,

Pastor Steven Stern
Founder of God Will Make A Way Ministries