Happy Independence Day! I hope that you’ll get a chance to celebrate our nation’s independence this week. For most families, this is a time of fireworks, festivities, food, and fun at the pool. Who doesn’t love a good bonfire, breaking out the s’mores and roasted hotdogs?

Yet, in a month where we remember the Declaration of Independence and those who refused to let fear get in the way, let us apply this principle to adoption. Doug Chapman put it well, "If you have the heart for adoption, don't let fear stand in the way."

On Wednesday (5/29), I drove a couple from Tuscola, IL to Chicago O’Hare Airport, International Terminal 3, so they could start their journey to adopt their four-child sibling group. They headed around the world: ORD to LAX to Manila, Philippines. Talking to them on the 3-hour jaunt north, it wasn’t that they weren’t scared (you’d be crazy not to be), but trusting God, they refused to let fear stand in the way.  

Over the last month, God has been on the move. I have continued to share the ministry model with churches and individuals from around the area. Last Sunday, I was honored to be able to speak at Lane Christian Church in Lane, IL, and share GWMAW with their congregation. We looked at Galatians 4:4-7, remembering:

1. The Gospel is Adoption.
2. Adoption is costly.
3. When that cost is paid by another, we experience grace!

Looking forward, I’m excited to be able to speak this month at a Men’s Area Fellowship in Maroa, IL. Continue to pray that God will bring together individual donors and sustaining church partners so that we can help children find their forever homes. Since God calls us to have a heart for adoption, let’s refuse to let fear stand in the way! Let freedom reign!

If you would like more information about GWMAW or would be open to letting me share the ministry with a local Mission Team, don’t hesitate to reach out!

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Sincerely,

Pastor Steven Stern
Founder of GWMAW Ministries