Happy Father's Day!

I want to wish all of you a very Happy Father's Day!  May God our Heavenly Father bless each of you richly.  On a day like today I am grateful that God gave me a father who modeled God's love to me and that his father (my grandfather) was also an excellent role model.  I am truly thankful for this rich Godly heritage.  Psalm 16:6 says, "The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance" (ESV).  


What then should my response be to the huge need in the world to take care of the fatherless, orphans, vulnerable or children in situations of abuse?  Well I don't have all the answers (not even many of them) and frankly at times it all seems very overwhelming.  What I want to share with you today is a story about a couple who has become an inspiration to me.  In fact I have added them to my list of people who are my HEROs.  A hero to me is someone whose example draws me into a closer relationship with Christ Jesus.  


So the other night I met a couple who are in their late 70's. The husband is turning 80 next year. They had just received a community service award and the person presenting the award had listed off many things they have done to make our community a better place.  I don't remember everything she said but what caught my attention was, "They have fostered over 200 children and are currently fostering a 4 month old boy."  I leaned over to my wife and said, "I'm going to meet that couple later."  I did go meet them and then I called them last night and we talked some more.  Their legacy is rich and I know that they will wear a bejeweled crown in heaven.  They are truly believers in Jesus.  That was evident from the beginning but they are quick to point out that they are simply acting on what God has called them to do with the gifts God has given them and with the daily energy, patience, love, wisdom that God supplies.  They said, "We just take one child at a time right now.  It is important not to take on more than you can handle.  Only do what God has given for you to do."  This family has truly become the father to the fatherless for so many.  When believers take care of children in need it gives the world a peek at the heart of The Gospel.
  
I hope that this couple will be an inspiration to you as they have been to me.  We have plans that they will be speak at one of our future PROTECT meetings.  To this day they are heavily involved in helping in the foster care system.  If you are interested in learning more about foster care (short term or long term) in Spokane I would point you to two websites: Olive Crest and Foster Parents Association of Spokane.