F. Scott Fitzgerald described the general zeitgeist of America in the aftermath of WWI, as people awaking to find “All gods dead, all wars fought, and all faith in man shaken.” Many today might see that as the anthem of the 21^st century as well.

Despite the general pessimism, it’s amazing how God’s power is never more prevalent, persuasive, and profound than when local churches (his hands and feet) come together as the BIG “C” Church (the body). It’s a glimpse at the unity Jesus prayers for in John 17:22, “That we may be ONE!

God Will Make A Way grew out of many different seeds, but one of the most personal is when Chelsea and I were preparing to adopt for the second time. We had already adopted our son, Samuel, in a domestic adoption from Springfield, IL. Now we were facing something completely overwhelming, international adoption from Bogota, Colombia for a sibling group of three young girls. The price tag was intimidating, but we kept praying, “God if this is your will, then you’ll have to make a way!” Then he did.  We saved, we did fundraisers, and we looked for grants. We were grateful for all the help, but we were even more shocked by the active generosity of our local church and area believers coming together to fill in the gap. Walnut Grove did for us what they have done for others. They invited people to a dessert fundraiser. There were cakes, cupcakes, trifles, pies, cookies, and homemade ice cream. Others auctioned off gift cards, a movie night basket, a cooler with cuts from a local butcher shop, and makeup bags. Then people started bidding sacrificially, all with the goal of helping us bring our three daughters home. It was humbling. It was heart-warming. It was the heart-beat of the church being the church.

We kept praying, “GOD if this is your will, then you’ll have to make a way!” Then he did!

It was an experience where God was alive. The war seemed winnable. Faith in man was secure. Without a doubt, it was one chapter in the making of GWMAW.

As we continue to raise money, build up a donor base, and seek to find Sustaining Church Partners, it’s always with the vision to help replicate our experience in the lives of other couples who are scared, intimidated, and uncertain. Our goal as a ministry is to be the ERASER for all the financial BUTS that get in the way of couples being able to adopt and show them the power of our God who is active, the CHURCH that is focused, and the faith that is built on the solid rock. 

Jesus told the parable of a wise and foolish builder in Matthew 7, that started with this line: ²⁴ “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

If you grew up watching Veggie Tales, here is how they tell the story:

You be the wise guy, Bob!
Okay!

The wise man built his house upon the rock (x 3)
And the rains came tumbling down

The rains came down and the floods came up (x 3)
And the house on the rock stood firm

Yep, I knew it would! That's right!
Okay, I'll be the foolish guy, Bob!
Okay, Larry, don't try too hard, though!

The foolish man built his house upon the sand (x3)
And the rains came tumbling down

What was he thinking?
He was thinking he wanted a beach home!
Foolish man. Yep... It pays to be wise, Larry!

It’s as we unify we declare: OUR GOD IS ALIVE, OUR WAR HAS BEEN WON and OUR FAITH IS SECURE.  If you're interested in joining us, call (309) 721-7962, email [Please enable JavaScript.], or mail 1419 Krishire Drive, Charleston, IL 61920. 

...

Sincerely,

Pastor Steven Stern
Founder of God Will Make A Way Ministries