Land of the Free and Home of the Brave

While you were celebrating Independence Day this past week in the land of the free and the home of the brave, there were dozens of acts of bravery taking place throughout our county. With close to 90 children foster children in Ashland County, these brave children have been welcomed into unfamiliar foster homes to find a place of healing, hope and protection. Perhaps your home needs to become a home of these children who leave all that is familiar to a home they have never known. 

We salute our foster families for their willingness to exercise their freedom by making a place in their home and their hearts for hurting children. Real freedom is not a freedom from responsibility but freedom for the chance to make a difference in the lives of others. Are there challenges? Certainly. Are there hard days? Of course.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to care for these children and show a true example of our faith. (James 1:27) In your home these children could experience loving care. Your home could be a place of healing. Your church could share the love of Jesus with them. If you do not feel called right now to open your home, God still calls you to find a way to become involved.

If not your home, then your hands could serve a foster family helping children in need. Making a meal once a month, offering to help with laundry or housework or mowing a lawn are practical ways you can put your hands to service. It is your service that makes the challenges of fostering easier to bear.

If not your hands of service, then your time can be given to become a friend and a mentor to these children in care. Take interest in their lives, become a foster grandparent or aunt and uncle. Provide care, a listening ear, share a hobby, celebrate abilities or give guidance for life skills. It is your time that helps reshape the future of these children in care.

How will you answer the call of God and exercise your freedom to make a difference?

Learn more about fostering.

Attend a Volunteer Orientation.

Invite Fostering Family Ministries to your church.

For Hope and a Future,

Sherry Bouquet