From The Pastor

Dear Friends,

One part of our vision discussed several times over the past year is a commitment by our church body to the care of orphans and to encourage adoption. Adoption is at the heart of our relationship with the Father, and it is an earthly picture that shines to a watching world. Further, as James 1:27 indicates, the care of the "least of these" is near to the Lord's heart.

I'm writing this special letter to you with some exciting news about the Harden family. Due to some difficult life circumstances, Clay's sister in Georgia is unable to keep her four children, ages 6, 4, 2, and almost 1. For several months, Clay and Karra have been praying earnestly about how the Lord might have them bring the power of the Gospel to bear in this situation. After much thought, prayer, and counsel, they soon will be taking these four children into their home permanently. This will not be an adoption, but a permanent legal guardianship, which is, practically speaking, caring for orphans in their affliction, as James 1 reminds us. In this and many other ways, the coming of these children to the Harden family, and to our church family, is a glorious thing for these children, for the Hardens, and for us all.

We have a wonderful and unique opportunity to help the Hardens as they make this major life adjustment. The younger two children arrive this weekend, while the older two will be here in a couple of weeks. The Hardens will be going from a household with two middle-school-aged children to a family of six kids, four under the age of 7. Providentially, Clay and Karra have been foster parents in recent years, so they are somewhat prepared, but the scale of their family's transformation is still significant by any measure. What an opportunity for us, their brothers and sisters in Christ, to bless this family who so quickly jumped into our church's life just a year ago!

Here are several ways you can help:

·Assist them with their many "start-up" needs by going through your garages, attics, and closets to see what can be loaned or given them: car seats, beds, "sippy" cups, clothes, and more. Adair Bolton has compiled a list of expected needs and you can find it here in a shared spreadsheet. If you can provide a new or good-quality used item, put your name in the appropriate space. If you would prefer, you can call Adair at 336-510-8536.

·Laura Kunkel is organizing meals for the Hardens so that cooking will be one less thing they have to think about for a while. If you would like to help in this area, we will soon have a link to a meal-sharing site. If you want to do something sooner, however, call Laura at 336-298-3185.

·As you can imagine, the increase in ongoing expenses will be significant. If you are better able to give them a gift card from Harris Teeter, Target, Wal-Mart, or some other retailer, you can be sure that this would also be a great help to them. You can give these to Clay and Karra directly. If you would prefer, though, Bryan or I will be glad to put them into their hands for you. 

·In time, after the children have adjusted to new surroundings, you might consider offering to help care for the kids a few hours each week...or cut their grass...or clean their house...or run some errands...or do something special for Zachary and Madison to keep them from feeling lost in the shuffle...or if you can think of other practical ways, feel free to be creative!

·Finally, would you commit to pray daily for this family? They are going to be on the "tip of the spear" in serving the Lord and these children. I can assure you that the Enemy does not want them to take these children into their family, but he will want to rob Clay, Karra, Zachary, and Madison of the joy that attends faithful obedience. Let's resolve to be their Aarons and their Hurs (Exodus 17:11-13).

Beloved, the Scriptures tell us in John 13:34-35 that the world will see an incontrovertible witness to the Lordship of Christ in how we love one another. I am thrilled that we get to walk alongside the Hardens as they begin this journey. They are truly walking by faith and we will be blessed in watching how the Lord will work. Let's thank Him for this grand opportunity - and then join them however we can as they care for their growing family!

For the Hardens and for the Gospel, I am

Your friend,