So. Looks like this will be going out on Sunday at church. Our Pastor said it was fine with him, and said he will ask Jeff to come up to the podium and say his little "thing". ;o) We'll have a letter for each family sitting in the pews. The boys are going to stand at the front and hand out our prayer cards to all who enter.
Folks. Would you look at those faces?! That flower in J's hair cracks me up. I look at that and think, "Oh to kiss those cheeks!" And Daniel looks like a sprite of a fellow, and I want to just scoop him up and squeeeeeeze. And Alan! man oh man he looks like his ready for a good tickle and romp in the grass.
Here's the letter, I know it's long in a blog format, however, would you please read it and tell me how it sounds? Thanks.
{Update Letter}
DODSON FAMILY ADOPTION UPDATE:
Hello from the Dodson family! How are you? We hope well! Thank you so much for praying for us. We appreciate it more than you know. We are nearing the end…or rather, the beginning. Update below!
************
When we began our adoption process back in November, it was for the purpose of expanding our family.
As each month passed, however, we began to see that this journey was not about expanding our family. Instead, it became more about bringing family to the orphan. Will our family’s size increase? Certainly, and for that we are thankful! However, our adoption is no longer self-centered, but Christ-centered.
We realize that, as a family, we have been called to minister to those in need…in need of a Daddy, Mommy, and two big brothers. How can we say, “No” to that call? We cannot. How can we say, “No” to Alan, Jeremiah, and Daniel? We cannot! Our 3 boys were abandoned as babies. Thankfully, their Mothers loved them enough to leave them where they could be found, and cared for. (Unfortunately, this is not the case for the majority of orphaned children. Commit to pray for these children. Ask the Lord what He would have YOU do concerning them. James 1:26,27)
Why Uganda? Uganda is the country to which God has called us. He has used the ministry of our church family (Lifegate) to help us see a need there. Uganda’s orphans are no more special than those in America, China, Ethiopia, Ukraine, Russia, or anywhere else in the world. They’re orphans all the same. God has said, “Uganda.” That is where we are going.
God has been truly faithful during our process. Adoption is expensive. We certainly did not have the sum of money necessary to even begin the process, and yet, we were and are certain that this call to adopt, to care for the orphan, is of God. It is our mission. What did we do? We prayed and continue to pray! We prayed that the Lord would “supply all our needs according to His riches in glory”. Philippians 4:19
And do you know what happened? He has and He is! Through several families in our church who have given sacrificially, through family members, and friends in our community, He has supplied us with everything we have needed to this day! Moreover, He will continue to do so! God has not brought us this far to leave or forsake us. He is faithful! To God be the glory, He is so good.
Why this letter? We are still in need of travel fare. It will cost $8000 ($600 has already been donated) in order for us to travel to and from Uganda. We are leaving for Uganda in about 3-4 weeks!!! J We have been hesitant to ask for contributions from our church, family, friends, or our community. Money is especially tight these days for everyone. We certainly have no desire to cause anyone any financial stress. However, in Scripture, God tells us to ask. Luke 11:1-13, John 15:16, I John 5:14,15
So we are asking, would you please consider giving towards our airfare? Would you consider being Jesus’ hands and feet? Would you please consider helping us bring family to Alan, Jeremiah, and Daniel? If you are unable to give financially, would you please consider lifting us up in prayer before our Holy, Heavenly, Loving Abba Father? He is ever faithful! “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him. The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.” Lamentations 3: 24,25. Financial gifts can be given directly to us, or to Lifegate—please put Dodson Family in the memo. (Lifegate Church, 395 Lifegate Lane, Seguin, TX 78155)
***Prayer Needs: airfare, good health (sewage contaminated water, malaria, typhoid, parasites, etc.), and solid attachment/bonding with boys in Uganda, safe travel, and smooth adjustment in USA.***
“Now to HIM who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to HIM be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20,21
Thank you.
Much love,Jeff, Laura, Joshua, Caleb, Alan, Jeremiah, and Daniel Dodson
No comments:
Post a Comment