"Adoption offers a chance at a new beginning for many children cared for by state and private agencies and international orphan situations. Families constitute the building blocks of God's Kingdom. A strong family unit provides an orphan with the love and security that is needed to ensure that they grow into healthy adults and a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. James 1:27 says, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (NIV).
Adoption is part of the Great Commission, and we see that God's heart of compassion for the fatherless is clearly expressed throughout Scripture. We see adoption by believers as "missions in reverse" because adoption provides an opportunity to reach across the globe and bring children into homes where Jesus is present and God's Word is central.
The decision to adopt
Because the adoption of children needs to be planned, within reason, a decision to adopt must be made with prayer and the counsel of mature and trusted Christians..........
..........Depending on the circumstances, the cost of adoption can range between nothing to $30,000.
.......Many options exist to help families bridge the gap between their budgets and the costs for adoption. The US government provides a federal tax credit per child adopted in a tax year (which for tax year 2007, was a maximum of $11,390 - see www.irs.ustreas.gov) and some states offer up to $10,000 tax credits (Georgia's was $10,160 for 2006). Many corporations offer adoption assistance programs (www.adopting.org), and the US military offers a non-recurring subsidy for military personnel (www.militaryadoption.com).
(Letitia's note: the tax credit mentioned here, is not a deduction, but an actual credit. If you owe $500 on your taxes this year, the credit will wipe that out. It then carries over year after year until you have used the entire amount. The article goes on here to list several grants and options to fund an adoption. )
........If you are seeking the Lord's will for your life and in the life of an orphan who needs a home, and are obedient to His call, He will provide a way for you to finance it without having to jeopardize your future. Matthew 6:31-33 says, "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (NIV). In Philippians 4:19 we read, "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (NIV).
........The financial barriers to adoption can seem overwhelming, but fortunately, we do not have to look at the outward appearance of things; we can look to the One who controls all the circumstances of our lives.
If a couple feels strongly that God is directing them to adopt and/or to reach out to an orphan, they should begin to save and to prepare for the expenses, and to prayerfully make their needs known to their church, family, and friends. If God is truly leading a couple to adopt, He will be faithful to provide for all of the financial needs. "
Go here to read more specifics on funding adoptions. http://www.crown.org/LIBRARY/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=276
I will remind you here, that if you adopt from the foster care system, there is no or little expense. I read one of my friends here say that their adoption cost $40!! If God is leading you to adopt, whether domestically, foster, or international, don't let fears or questions stop you from doing what He is calling you to. (When we adopted Marissa, we had no clue what we were doing, and didn't know anyone who had adopted IRL or online.) Pray. Ask for confirmation that your desire is from Him. Be open. Ask questions~there is a long list of my "Adoption Friends" in my sidebar, and millions of others to talk to and ask questions. And, of course, you can ask me! : ) God ALWAYS provides a way for His work. Millions of children await someone to love them, teach them, and share God's love with them. Ask God if you're one of them.
Letitia
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