Sunday, June 1, 2008

Call to Prayer (Updated)

As I wrote below, there is a situation that is causing all adoptions through my agency to be put on hold. The situation is expected to take at least one week to resolve, but could well take longer. The present delays are in the best interest of the children, and I am encouraged by this. At the same time, the delays feel awful right now, especially for the families who have see their children's faces and now are faced with the reality of waiting an indefinite amount of time to hold them.

Under circumstances like these, there is not much we can do. But we do know who is able to work all things out for the good of those who love him! The families from my agency have organized a time of prayer, and I hope that you will consider participating.

The details:
When: Tuesday, June 3rd 7:30-8:00 pm EST
Where: A quiet place, in your home, with friends, alone, anywhere!
How: Pray for my agency,Gladney, the families and children affected by the delays, and for a quick resolution to the situation.

What if I want to do more?:
You could commit to an entire day of prayer on Tuesday. You can even take it to the next level and fast on Tuesday. The fasting could be from food, but it could be from something else you routinely have/do. For example, if you choose to fast from food, when you feel hungry, you pray instead of eating. You can have liquids. After a day of fasting, you will have increased your time in prayer.You can invite your friends and family to join you in this prayer!

"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16 (NIV)


(UPDATE)
As you pray, please also pray for our adoption community. There are those who have over-reacted in a sensationalist and extremist (and frankly, paranoid) manner. They are seeking to over-excite and spread opinion as fact. They are not supporting or helping other adoptive parents, nor are they seeking to listen to and support my agency. They are divisive, and their unpredictable actions may put other adoptions at risk. Please pray also for this situation- there is no need to make this already undesirable situation any worse, but I am afraid that is what some are seeking to do.

10 comments:

Adoption Cubed said...

I just wanted to thank you for your comments on your blog and in the adoption community concerning this delay. I appreciate the careful and concerned thought you have put into your words - it has been a calming voice of reason and grace. Thank you for keeping the children and people of Ethiopia in your heart - it certainly shows!!
Rebecca

Anonymous said...

I have every confidence in our agency. I believe they are working in the best interest of the children and within the laws of Ethiopia. I do not know the specific details of this case but I learned long ago, to wait for the dust to settle before making any big comments. I also learned to ignore unsubstantiated accusations. So, I will wait and see what the outcome of the investigation is and I will believe in my agency as I have done from the very beginning.

Jan

The Soucys said...

Thank you Grace for being a strong advocate for our agency and our children. Chris and I appreciate your voice.

Jana said...

we'll be praying on tuesday, as we are now.

Lori said...

Count us in.

Leslie said...

I will be praying.

~Laura~ said...

Thank you for your words both on your blog and in the group. If I want to be "in the know" I just go to your blog! :)

Jennifer said...

We are in....also, thank you for being a voice of reason in all of this!

Nicholas said...

This is the first I've heard of this and I will certainly be praying for all families and children who have to deal with this.... As you said, it is important for Ethiopia to do this and I pray that it all turns out fine ASAP.

Unknown said...

Grace - Mike and I will be praying tomorrow night. We're thanking God for giving us our sweet boy Thursday night before this happened. Thankfully He has also given us peace about the situation. Thanks for your blog!!

Amy