Things You May Not Know About: Deafness

(13 year old Zeke waiting in China for a forever family)

Some special needs can seem very overwhelming! The decision to adopt a child has enough questions, concerns, fears, and excitement without adding in a label like: DEAF.

Whether your family is called to adopt a deaf/heard of hearing child or not, the Lord only knows. 

But here is some encouraging information, to get you started on educating yourself about deaf/hard of hearing children.

(13 year old Austin waiting in China for a forever family.)

Could a deaf child ever be able to hear?

Yes, some deaf/hard of hearing people are candidates for a variety of hearing aids and implants.

Cochlear Implants

Hearing Aids

Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA)

 

(9 year old Andrew waiting in China for a forever family.)

What if a child doesn't qualify for any hearing devices?

Lip reading, speaking, and sign language are all forms of communication that deaf and hard of hearing people use everyday.

These two little deaf boys were adopted from China. Here they are playing just like any other little boys. (Except ASL is very quiet!)

(5 year old Jonathan, waiting in China for a forever family.)

Can deaf people get a job?

Absolutely! There are deaf doctors, teachers, volunteer firemen, lawyers, pilots, FBI agents, businessmen, scientists, inventors, CEOs, writers, actors, artists, musicians, athletes, journalists, pastors, etc!

Deaf people can get married, raise families and live full independent lives.

(7 year old Hannah, waiting in China for a forever family.)

When researching special needs adoption always remember. The Lord knows. He knows who you are. He knows the children you will adopt. And He knows it will work. 

I know, sometimes we can get caught up in all the unanswered questions, big medical terms, and our own personal fears, that we forget. We forget that the Lord created us for a specific purpose, and that whatever He has called us to, He will empower us to do.

Rest in that assurance and look again. Look again at the picture of that child and see what He sees. Not a deaf child, not a helpless orphan, a person... a treasure that He created for a purpose, just like you.

(2 year old Teddy is waiting for a forever family.)

Dark Horse of the Week: Teddy!

I'm excited to share with you this weeks Dark Horse, 2 year old Teddy!

He is waiting right now for a forever family to love him!

Please join us in prayer for Teddy.

You can see his pictures and learn more about him by clicking on his picture on our sidebar to visit his personal page!

Mission Moments: Lifesong for Orphans

 

Ukrainian Christians Follow Call to 'Defend the Fatherless'...

Meet Viktor and Oksana, a Christian couple in Ukraine who have grown their family through adoption. With over 100,000 children living in state-run orphanages, the need is great. 

While working as a teacher in an orphanage  for 5 years, Oksana felt God preparing her heart and opening her eyes to the beauty of adoption.

Unable to have biological children, Viktor and Oksana began pursuing the adoption of an 8 month old boy named, Kolya. They later found out that Kolya had two older sisters. In Ukraine, it is not possible to adopt just one out of a sibling group, all must be adopted together.

Facing a situation they weren't expecting or ready for, Viktor and Oksana prayed and considered the possibility of adopting all three. Two weeks later, they committed to bring all Dasha, Vlada and Kolya into their forever family.

Adoption Without Borders helped this family with the extra costs that came with the need to expand their home and provided spiritual counsel and support as they journeyed through the process.

Thankful for Ukrainian Christians like Victor and Oksana who are helping remedy the orphan crisis in their country! 

"The Lord gave us three children, and we are very grateful to Him for this. We really want to give the love we have from God to our kids."

VICTOR & OKSANA | Ukrainian Adoptive Parents 

"We see [Adoption without Borders] as a way to keep kids in the culture to which they are accustomed while helping their adoption into Christ-centered homes."

JAMES HUNT | Karis Adoption Fund

Council Road Baptist Church | Bethany, Oklahoma 

Invest in forever families in Ukraine through indigenous adoption>>

Learn more at www.lifesongfororphans.org/adoption-without-borders.

Goodbye Genevieve

Blessed are the pure in heart,

For they shall see God.

Matthew 5:8

The time has come to say goodbye to 6 year old Genevieve.

Her file was removed from Holt International's list without confirmation of placement.

Thank you for all of your prayers for precious Genevieve!

Dear Lord, we thank You for the opportunity to pray for this special little girl

and for the many plans you have for her life!

We release her back to You.

In Jesus Christ name amen.

Goodbye Genevieve!

We love you!

And have enjoyed seeing your bright face!

Dark Horse of the Week: Hannah!

He raises the poor from the dust

And lift the beggar from the ash heap,

To set them among princes

And make them inherit the throne of glory.

1 Samuel 2:8

I am excited to introduce this weeks Dark Horse, 7 year old Hannah!

Hannah is waiting right now for a forever family.

Please join us in prayer for Hannah, that she would have the opportunity to receive Christ.

That her life would be living proof of the Lord's greatness,

And that she would live out all of her days in pursuit of who He is.

If you or someone you know is interested in Hannah, please visit:

Reese's Rainbow: Hannah

(A video of her is available to interested families.)

You can also donate to her adoption fund.