The stories are coming in, keep them coming!

Thank you to everyone that participated in an Orphan Sunday event in any capacity. This year, we were aware of 24 Orphan / Adoption Sunday events happening around Canada and we are still hearing of events that we weren't aware of! Last year we were aware of 4 happening in Canada. God is definitely up to something here!

We have heard reports of presentations, awareness, videos, offerings taken and congregations getting inspired to ask God what their part to play in adoption is. Please send us your Orphan / Adoption Sunday testimony, as we'd love to feature some on the site. If you have a testimony, please email us at tamara@southgatechurch.ca

We are so excited for what God is doing through the Church in Canada and we are dreaming big for what He will do!

National Adoption Month is happening!

We have been encouraged by the stories of churches observing and celebrating National Adoption month! Focus on the Family has launched their End the Wait tour. Make sure you get to an event if they are coming to your area. Also, check out the list of churches hosting an Orphan Sunday and see if there is one happening in your area that you could attend.

One of the most beautiful things about working with the churches that are hosting an Orphan Sunday is that the body of Christ is working together to see God's heart revealed through adoption. One of Jesus' last prayers is for the unity of His Church. It is a privilege to work together with believers from many different denominations, all working together, to see children find loving, forever families, where they can be loved and experience the love of God.

Pray for the churches hosting an Orphan Sunday, attend one if you can and pray that the number of churches hosting in Canada, would increase exponentially for next year!

Prayer guide leading up to Orphan Sunday

From Christian Alliance for Orphans:

We serve a mighty God who IS able to move mountains, but sometimes He is simply just trying to help us see something from a different perspective. Orphan Sunday is not about one church, one person, or one objective. Orphan Sunday is the Church (collectively as God intended) coming together on ONE DAY with ONE PURPOSE using ONE VOICE. Below is a Prayer & Fasting Guide for the week leading up to your Orphan Sunday.

Prayer and Fasting Guide

Monday: Today, pray for local foster and adoptive folks who are on the front lines of orphan care to be encouraged, supported by the local Church and that God may give them the strength to continue. This includes, but is not limited to: foster and adoptive parents, those who work within the foster care system, those who facilitate foster care or adoptive services, case workers, social workers, psychologists and therapists. These folks are on the front lines of orphan care and often feel alone or bound by a system.

Tuesday: Today, pray for your pastor, your church leadership, and the Church as a whole to feel the Lord's heart for the orphans as seen in Psalm 68:5-6 (below) and for Him to raise up workers for the harvest from your church and community to go to the "fields of the fatherless." "A Father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families..." - Psalm 68:5-6"Give up your wicked ways. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the orphan. Fight for the rights of widows." - Isaiah 1:16-17

Wednesday: Today, pray for state and federal policy makers, judges, attorneys, penitentiary and correction officers and workers, and national organizations committed to helping orphans. Ask the Lord to give them wisdom as they make decisions directly affecting children, particularly the orphan.

Thursday: Today, pray that God would move mightily within the Church across Canada and give the Church a positive voice across Canada as it reaches out to homeless children and youth, victims of child trafficking, foster care, parents struggling to care for and raise their children, birth parents, and children trapped in an abusive situation.

Friday: Today, ask the Lord help parents struggling to care for their children due to financial, physical, medical, stress or social stigma due to a birth defect. Ask the Lord to protect children and their parents from kidnapping, child trafficking, hunger, disease and war.

Saturday: Fasting Day: If you are able to fast (give up food for the day), then fast and pray. If you are unable to fast, consider giving up one meal, a favorite item, TV, Facebook or your phone. Today, ask God that of the 2 billion Christians in the world, 7% would show hope to a single orphan, looking after the child in their distress. Ask the Lord to convict the church around the world that if we did this, there would effectively be no more orphans. Ask the Lord to show
each of His followers that we can each do something. Within your prayers, choose a country or countries to pray specifically over and pray for nationals within that country to rise up and be willing to care for orphans.

Orphan Sunday: Today, pray for Orphan Sunday events around the world to go smoothly. Pray for the Lord to speak through pastors and speakers around the world. Pray for the Spirit to convict, encourage, challenge and confirm families, pastors and orphan care workers all over the world.

Click here for more Orphan Sunday resources or information

Jamaica orphanage sponsorship thanks

Last year, as a church, we came together to provide sponsorship to children in an Orphanage in Jamaica that is connected with Southgate Church. They have been blessed and above is a thank you they sent us. So on behalf of our friends in Jamaica, THANKS!

First grant recipients meet their girls for the first time!

Last year, Southgate Church and friends, helped raise money for adoption grants. This year, ABBA Canada gave away 13 adoption grants and raised over $35,000 for adoptive families! We are excited to be a part of this and on behalf of those families, we want to send you a huge THANK YOU!

The most exciting part of an adoption grant, is watching the story unfold and the children come home to their forever families. Here is the video of Sean and Naomi, the first ABBA Canada Foundation grant recipients, meeting their girls for the first time! Click here to watch.

Adoption info seminar, Burlington, Ont

Orphan Sunday - November 2012 - One day. One voice. One purpose.

November is International adoption month and we want to see churches all across Canada joining together in support of Orphan Sunday. Christian Alliance for Orphans, has been a huge advocate for Orphan Sunday and provides many resources and materials to help your church develop your own Orphan Sunday. We have provided some helpful links and resources that are Canadian focused, that you can use. Feel free to incorporate your own ideas or let us know of any way in which we can support or assist you.

Each event is locally-led and can consist of sermons, small groups, concerts, prayer gatherings, shared meals, youth activities, or any combination. Orphan Sunday is your opportunity to awaken your church, community and friends to God’s call to care for the orphan. Many churches and organizations have hosted “Orphan Sundays” over the years and inspired believers to ask what they can do to serve children without families.

Below, you will find a list of helpful resources that your church could use in bringing awareness to the orphan crisis. Perhaps your church would be willing to host an Orphan Sunday, have a special message or host an awareness night/fundraiser for adoption grants or an orphanage.

Choose a date in November, begin planning, and let us know! Visit ABBA Canada Foundation for more information and resources, added weekly. They have a listing of all churches/organizations participating in Orphan Sunday (can be any date in November) all across Canada!

Email info@abbacanada.com if you are interested in hosting an Orphan Sunday and we will help you get started and post it on our website.

Click here to see a list of churches hosting an Orphan Sunday

Click here for Prayer Guides.

Click here for Orphan Sunday Videos.

Adoption Info Seminar

We are having our next adoption information seminar on Saturday, September 22. If you or someone you know is considering adoption, please send them our way!

This workshop will be held at Southgate Church (#120 - 5501 204th St. Langley) on Saturday, September 22, from 9am - 4pm, with lunch and breaks included. The information will be given over a 6-part DVD series, with topics such as: God's Heart for the Orphan, Making Basic Decisions, Evaluating Agencies, Investigating Funding Options, and Paperwork, Completing your Home Study, etc.

There will also be time for discussion. We will be breaking into small groups to discuss common questions, concerns, thoughts and to go over ideas from the DVD series. This will be a free seminar, with a small charge for lunch. This seminar is open to anyone interested in, or beginning the adoption journey, so feel free to pass this on.

Please RSVP to tamara@southgatechurch.ca.

If you have other specific questions regarding this event, we would be happy to answer them for you!

Controversy over Pat Robertson’s adoption comments

We tuned into our social media sites tonight to see a flurry of controversy over Pat Robertson’s recent comments about adoption. The comments were distasteful and obviously cause for concern about the attitudes they represent. We’ve read a few posts today responding to the comments, but probably the best was by Jason Cornwell over on the Together for Adoption blog.

Click here to read the full post.

Here are a couple of quotes from his post:

“Dr. Robertson responds to a viewer’s question concerning her 3 adopted children and the men who lose interest in dating her once they find out she has 3 adopted children (thankfully, Dr. Robertson’s co-host stands up for her and calls out the fellas). Dr. Robertson gives them a pass, saying they “didn’t want to take on a United Nations,” and “you don’t know what problems are there.”

“Let me be clear in saying that not everyone is called to adopt, nor should everyone adopt. Adoption is not the only way to engage in orphan care. With that in mind, Dr. Robertson’s comments are troubling to say the least. Dr. Robertson’s comments smack of the notion that children are something of a trophy that makes us look good; that it’s somehow possible to predict how children will “turn out,” adopted or otherwise; that our comforts are to be cherished at all costs. That, my friends, is complete tomfoolery and poppycock in the truest sense of those words. Anyone who’s engaged in any type of orphan care knows that it’s difficult, messy, and scary. Those who say adoption is a fad simply reveal to others that they’ve never really engaged in any type of serious orphan care (but that’s another discussion…I digress).”

“No, Pat Robertson. Orphan care isn’t a friendly game where you get neat little trophies. It’s a Christian mandate that is driven, motivated, and fueled by the effective and loving work of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We enter the suffering of others, because God has entered ours and because He is forming the image of His Son, Jesus Christ, in us. And concerning Adoption, God is absolutely serious.”

Dr. Russell Moore also responded to these comments and his post can be seen here.

In all of this, pray for Pat Robertson, pray for the attitudes of people to change towards adoption and pray especially for the millions around the world that don’t understand all of the politics and debating, but just desire to have a mommy and daddy.

We want to note that after the first part of this post was written, Pat Robertson issued a public apology for his comments. We also want to make it clear that in situations like these, our responses, as followers of Jesus, should never aim to destroy or attack the character of another person. Our aim is not to discredit or attack Pat Robertson. However, when comments are made by a very public figure, misrepresenting God’s heart for adoption, we feel it is important to give a Biblical response. At the end of our last post when we said to pray for Pat, we sincerely mean that. The comments represent a mindset still present in our world and we ask you to pray that people’s hearts would experience a revelation of how God views adoption and the plight of the orphan.

Adoption Info Seminar

We are having our next adoption information seminar on Saturday, September 22. If you or someone you know is considering adoption, please send them our way!

This workshop will be held at Southgate Church (#120 - 5501 204th St. Langley) on Saturday, September 22, from 9am - 4pm, with lunch and breaks included. The information will be given over a 6-part DVD series, with topics such as: God's Heart for the Orphan, Making Basic Decisions, Evaluating Agencies, Investigating Funding Options, and Paperwork, Completing your Home Study, etc.

There will also be time for discussion. We will be breaking into small groups to discuss common questions, concerns, thoughts and to go over ideas from the DVD series. This will be a free seminar, with a small charge for lunch. This seminar is open to anyone interested in, or beginning the adoption journey, so feel free to pass this on.

Please RSVP to tamara@southgatechurch.ca by September 15.

If you have other specific questions regarding this event, we would be happy to answer them for you!

We love because...

We love because

Creating an adoption culture in your church

This is a great video about creating an adoption culture in your church. Enjoy! http://www.abbacanada.com/post.aspx?post=406

Orphan Sunday - November 2012

We're excited to start promoting Orphan Sunday 2012! Orphan Sunday is your opportunity to awaken your church, community and friends to God’s call to care for the orphan. Many churches and organizations have hosted “Orphan Sundays” over the years and inspired believers to ask what they can do to serve children without families. Each event is locally-led and can consist of sermons, small groups, concerts, prayer gatherings, shared meals, youth activities, or any combination.

ABBA Canada has put together a page of helpful resources that your church could use in bringing awareness to the orphan crisis. Perhaps your church would be willing to host an Orphan Sunday, have a special message or host an awareness night/fundraiser for adoption grants or an orphanage.

Please pray about how you can join with us and churches across Canada this November. Stop by the Orphan Sunday page to see how you can get involved.

Don't forget why

We have been so blessed to hear the stories of those of you connected with the orphan ministry community. It seems that everyday, we get to hear a new story about someone’s heart for adoption, a story of a families adoption in process or an excited and passionate person emailing us about their adoption ministry dream in their city.

Sadly, we also hear the stories of roadblocks, problems, red tape and dreams that are fading for whatever reason or discouragement. Today, we want to remind and encourage you to, “not forget why.” Don’t forget why you started this journey. Don’t forget why you started this process or why you decided to answer this call.

You started this journey because James 1:27 is written on your heart. You started this because a young girl needs someone to walk her down the aisle one day. You started this because a young boy needs a father to prep him for his first date some day. You started this because your heart knows that every human needs a forever family. Your heart has heard the cries of that child that goes to bed alone and scared tonight. You’re haunted by the images you’ve seen. God put this on your heart.

You’re not alone and your sacrifice is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). God is with you. The endless paperwork to bring that little one home, the discouragements along the way, the ups and downs, are a price worth paying for that precious life. The frustration in starting your adoption ministry, the challenging task of fundraising for someone’s adoption, you will probably never meet, is worth it to that child that finds safe arms to fall asleep in.

Keep going, keep moving forward. We are praying, along with many others and always come back to God for your strength, He will provide.

Living the Gospel through Adoption

You can now order the booklet, "Living the Gospel through Adoption" by Joyce Rees. This 11 page booklet will challenge and inspire you to see adoption in a new way. We have known Joyce for many years and her life is one that validates the messages she speaks and writes. God has given her a special ability to see the Kingdom of God in different situations and she brings a beautiful picture of adoption in this booklet. The price is $10, including shipping and all net proceeds go towards adoption grants. Click below to order.

Together for Adoption breakout session CD recordings

You can now order the CD recordings of the Together for Adoption Canada conference breakout sessions. There are 9 breakout sessions recorded and each can be purchased for $6, including shipping and handling. The following sessions are available:

1. Launching an Orphan’s Ministry in Your Church (Jason Weber)
2. Churches Caring for Children (Calgary & Ottawa)
3. Creating a Life Book for Your Child (Kirsty Stormer)
4. Safe Families (Westminster Chapel – Toronto)
5. What I Wish I Had Known Before I Had Adopted (panel)
6. Men and the Fatherless (Jason Kovacs)
7. Foster Care as a Ministry (Sandi Kowalko)
8. Churches Caring for Children (Saddleback Church)
9. Funding an Adoption (ABBA Canada)

Please click on the Buy Now button below and enter the number of CD’s you would like to order, as the quantity for your PayPal purchase. Next, email the CD #'s you would like to: info@abbacanada.com

We want to thank everyone that came to the first ever Together For Adoption Conference Canada. We were so encouraged and excited to be a part of this event! A huge thank you to Focus on the Family, Home For Every Child and all of the volunteers that made it possible. We expected big things for the weekend, but we were blown away with what God did in the hearts of those attending.

We were so encouraged to meet people from all over Canada that are returning to their city to make a difference for the orphan and start something in their church. We had conversations with people that came because they are considering adoption and left wanting to start an orphan ministry in their church!

Please email us with your testimonies from the weekend; we would love to hear them. One of the greatest parts of the weekend for us, was hearing about the move of God that is happening all across Canada in the hearts of His people, to care for the orphan. If you left this weekend, wanting to start something, big or small, in your church, please contact us, info@abbacanada.com for the next steps. We will be following up over the next couple of weeks. We would love to help you get a church page started like Southgate Church or maybe you just want to tell your story in support of adoption and bring awareness to your circle of influence like the Schmidt’s. We can help you get started.

God is drawing together people across Canada that have a heart for the orphan, you have a part to play, don’t miss out!

It starts with a seed…where it all started, Together for Adoption

For my wife and I, Together for Adoption holds a special place in our hearts. Two and a half years ago, we hopped on a plane to Texas to attend Together for Adoption. We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into and we didn’t know very much about the orphan care or the adoption world. All we knew is that a seed had been planted in our hearts. For years, I had been an advocate for child sponsorship organizations, because there was a seed planted in my heart to help the world’s most vulnerable children. Tamara had been a children’s pastor for many years, with a seed in her heart to love and care for children. We got married in 2009 and knew God was growing those seeds into a larger thing, but we didn’t know what.

During the first year of our marriage, we couldn’t escape the cry of the orphan. Everywhere we turned, we heard their voice. It got louder and louder and we kept asking, “Lord how do we respond?” Still with no idea, we stumbled upon Steven Curtis Chapman’s ministry “Show Hope” and the seed continued to grow. We learned about how they challenged the Church to respond to the cry of the orphan and provided adoption grants to encourage their work within the Church. We got excited and looked for the same in Canada, but couldn’t find it.

Then we heard about the Together for Adoption conference in Texas and, in faith, got on the plane. Together for Adoption watered the seed and planted many more. This conference was exactly what we needed to take that small seed and grow it into a vision. We heard so many stories of people responding to the orphan crisis and creatively meeting the needs of adopting families, we began to dream. Every session we were inspired to make a difference and that aimless wandering towards an unknown vision, started to solidify into a plan of action. We came home with vision, passion and practical strategy to make something happen.

Maybe you just have the seed right now or maybe you just hear the cry of the orphan and don’t know which direction to run. Come this weekend and see where God leads you. You might be surprised at what He’s already put inside of you. Together for Adoption Canada

Two simple ways you could care for the orphan

Here are two simple ways you could contribute to the needs of the orphan and an adopting family. We talk to so many people that say “ I would love to help, but I’m not sure what I could do.” If that’s you, here are two very simple things. This past weekend, a few volunteers from Southgate Church held two small and easy to organize fundraisers and brought in $775!

The first was a soup fundraiser. The church was asked permission to hold a “by donation” soup and buns lunch after the second service. A handful of people volunteered to bring down a pot of soup and an announcement was made that all donations would go towards grants for adopting families. People stayed around after church, enjoyed a soup and buns lunch and enjoyed the fellowship. At the end of it, $445 was raised towards adoption grants.

The second was a clothing swap, which was organized by someone sending out an email and message through Facebook asking for donations of clothes that people were no longer wearing. Bags and bags of clothes came in. At the swap, $5 was charged at the door and $1 for each item of clothing taken home. Only 12 people attended the event and $330 was raised.

These are two examples of very simple fundraisers that don’t require much time and not a huge attendance, but make a huge difference for an adopting family. If you have been wondering what you can do to support adopting families and help find permanent homes for children, maybe this has given you an idea. We’d love to help you develop it!

What’s better than winning the Masters Golf Tournament?

I have never been much of a golf fan, but like most people, I am familiar with the biggest tournament in golf, The Masters Golf Tournament and the famous “Green Jacket.” This past weekend Bubba Watson won the famous Masters Golf Tournament. What is interesting is the back story on Bubba Watson.

Four years ago, Bubba and his wife Angie started the adoption process. After being turned down a couple of times, they finally got the call to adopt a one-month old baby boy from Florida.

The funny thing is, they picked up Caleb right before Watson was heading off to compete in the Masters. As his wife watched anxiously from home as Watson would make an amazing shot to win the tournament. After winning the biggest tournament in golf, Watson would comment that he would probably be more emotional coming home to his wife and new son than he was after his big win. Congratulations to the Watson family, enjoy the journey!

Click here to read the full article and see pictures of the Watson family.

Safe haven for families living with AIDS / orphans

We came across this great orphanage the other day and wanted to share. We’re always inspired by people who give up comfortable lives and friends and family here, to go and give their lives to serve the less fortunate. Whether they are Natives of that country or they come from another country to serve, they still give their lives and put themselves in harm’s way to help others. For the many of you out there that fit this description, we honour you!



Place of Rescue is an orphanage in Mongkol Borey, Cambodia. Cambodia is known for child trafficking issues, making orphans extremely vulnerable. Their website states: “Place of Rescue is a safe haven for families living with AIDS, orphan children and orphan grannies and young unmarried pregnant women. Rescue was founded as a Cambodian NGO in 2003. At that time all we had were 15 houses for AIDS families. Today Place of Rescue is home to 196 orphans and 23 destitute elderly women. In addition 57 more children live with their parents who have AIDS. Place of Rescue II located in Mongkol Borey, Cambodia is home to 100 orphans. In the province of Pailin 32 children are helped with donations of rice and school supplies. We hope to build an orphanage there soon to give them a secure home.”

You can watch a video here of the founder sharing stories of changed lives on 100 Huntley Street.

Maybe take a minute and send them an email today, encouraging them in the work they do or do the same for an orphanage or friend you know serving the needs of the orphan. With so many day to day issues orphanages must face, I’m sure every note of encouragement speaks huge volumes!

Adoption info seminar in Burlington, Ontario

Please RSVP to hopefororphansworkshop@gmail.com to register.

Wisdom from a 1st grader...

We thought this was some good wisdom from a 1st grader that our pastor shared with us this week.

Teacher Debbie Moon's first graders were discussing a picture of a family. One little boy in the picture had a different hair colour than the other members. One of her students suggested that he was adopted. A little girl said, "I know all about adoption, I was adopted."

"What does it mean to be adopted?" asked another child.

"It means," said the girl, "that you grew in your mommy's heart instead of her tummy!"

I love how children see things. Reminds me of when Jesus was talking, in Matthew 18:3, about seeing and receiving the Kingdom of heaven like a child.

Adoption Information Seminar

We are having our next adoption information seminar on April 14. If you or someone you know is considering adoption, please send them our way!
This workshop will be held at Southgate Church (#120 - 5501 204th St. Langley) on Saturday, April 14, from 9am - 4pm, with lunch and breaks included. The information will be given over a 6-part DVD series, with topics such as: God's Heart for the Orphan, Making Basic Decisions, Evaluating Agencies, Investigating Funding Options, and Paperwork, Completing your Home Study, etc.

There will also be time for discussion. We will be breaking into small groups to discuss common questions, concerns, thoughts and to go over ideas from the DVD series. This will be a free seminar, with a small charge for lunch. This seminar is open to anyone interested in, or beginning the adoption journey, so feel free to pass this on.

Please RSVP to tamara@southgatechurch.ca by April 7.

If you have other specific questions regarding this event, we would be happy to answer them for you!

Southgate Church answers the call to child sponsorship!

This past Sunday, we announced to Southgate Church that we had just received word from our church-plant in Jamaica that the orphanage they are connected with, New Hope Children’s Home had to turn away three babies because they could not afford the formula and diapers. We were heartbroken by this, as was the congregation, as evidenced by their response to our new sponsorship program. The orphanage currently has 24 children and they can accommodate up to 31 if the finances are there. We laminated 24 child packages and joked with the first service that maybe they would take them all.

Well, take them all, they did and there was still a line up at the table! So we furiously ran to the back to duplicate the 24 packages, so that there are two sponsors for each child at $20/month each. This huge blessing will enable the orphanage to help provide for their needs and make sure that they can take in new babies as they come.

Needless to say, we are so proud of our congregation for stepping up to meet the need after a 2 minute presentation! By the end of the second service, we only had 8 packages remaining. If you’re reading this and you have a spot in your heart and on your fridge for one of these little beauties, send us an email and we’ll get one into your hands. Pray with us that the orphanage will be blessed as they serve the needs of these precious souls.  

tamara@southgatechurch.ca

Together For Adoption Conference 2012

We're excited to announce that registration is now open for Together For Adoption Conference 2012 on May 11-12 at Gracepoint Church in Surrey. Click here for registration and information

We’ve got some work to do adoption community!

We had such a great time at Missions Fest Vancouver this past weekend at our first ever ABBA Canada booth! We met so many people that have been waiting for a ministry that supports adopting families practically and financially. There were people that came by the table that represent ministries that have a list of people they want to send to us and we met lots of people that are currently in the adoption process and were so excited about the resources and grants that we provide. This is all very exciting, however, it means we have some work to do now.

That’s where we’re calling on you, our adoptive network and support base. At this point, we have around $15,000 in our grant fund and another $3,000 being processed. We are just in the process of giving away our first grant this month and there will be a story to follow. From what we experienced at Mission Fest, there are a lot of families that want to adopt, have a place for a waiting child in a forever family, but finances are a barrier. Our mission is to change that, will you help?

Would you consider, donating towards a family’s adoption, hosting a fundraiser at your own church to raise money or becoming a champion for ABBA Canada to raise funds and awareness of the need. Let’s see these families bring home their waiting child!

Dine your Valentine and raise money for adoption...

Sunday, February 12, we are putting on an elegant Valentine's dinner for you and your Valentine. This will be an evening of fun, door prize, live music and a fancy dinner. Childcare will be provided! The cost is $49.99 and all proceeds and tips will go into ABBA Canada's fund to provide adoption grants for adopting families. Please RSVP tamara@southgatechurch.ca. Be a Valentine's Day all-star this year and help adopting families! 

Orphan Sunday- Southgate (Kris Hull)

 

Kris Hull- Orphan Sunday

2012 - New year, fresh vision and some exciting events!

Hi everyone and a very happy new year to you and your family! We hope you had a blessed and restful Christmas season. We’re excited for 2012, the beginning of some new initiatives, a time for new dreams, fresh vision and diving back into this exciting ministry, after a restful season! We just wanted to keep you updated on what’s happening for 2012.

First, we rejoice that the ABBA Canada grant fund, as this is being written, currently sits at almost $15,000! This is exciting news as it means that we are in full swing and ready to give away some adoption grants and see waiting children join their forever families! We will be posting stories soon, as grants are given. If you know a family starting the adoption process, please encourage them to look at the grant criteria and apply for a grant to help fund their adoption. Also, please encourage those you know, looking for somewhere to give, to further fund the ABBA Canada grant so we can assist more families.

On January 21, we will be hosting our next Adoption Information Seminar at Southgate Church in Langley. This event is from 9am-4pm and will provide information for those considering adoption or currently in the process. We will be going through a video series put together by Family Life Today. Please RSVP to tamara@southgatechurch.ca

If you are attending Mission Fest on the weekend of January 27-29, please stop by the ABBA Canada booth and visit us. We are excited to be making our first appearance at the event and we would love it if you would partner with us in prayer as we hope to connect with churches and other individuals with a passion for adoption.

Finally, we are very excited to announce that we are partnering with Focus on the Family, ABBA Canada and A Home for Every Child to bring Together for Adoption Canada, a Canada-wide adoption conference, to Gracepoint Church in Surrey, May 11-12, 2012! This conference will be similar to the Together for Adoption Conference that we have attended the past two years in the US. Speakers include Russell Moore (author of Adopted for Life), Elizabeth Styffe (adoption advocate from Saddleback Church), Bryan Lorritts (pastor and adoption advocate) and Jason Kovacs (pastor, co-founder of Together for Adoption and director of ABBA Fund). There will also be a worship concert with Brian Doerksen on Friday Evening. This conference will promote, educate and further adoption in Canada. Please make every effort to join us for this weekend, you won’t be disappointed!

Pray with us, dream with us, we’re excited for what 2012 holds!