Adoption and Orphan Sunday

I wanted to write a few words and reflect upon our worship service yesterday morning. What an encouragment. After an awesome time of offering and watching those come down front with all the shoeboxes full of items that will be sent around the world, I was already so encouraged in the faithfulness of my Lord. Then as I was preaching and pondering again the reality that my Lord Jesus said, "I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you. Because I live, you also will live." (John 14) This reality is overwhelming to me! I love this truth. It has shaped my life radically, even to the point of wanting to model it for my family by adopting two children. I am so thankful for all of my children. All four of my children are a tremendous blessing to my life and through the family structure I keep learning more and more about the Lord and His love for me. At the end of the service, I was overwhelmed with Matthew D.'s testimony and the sight of all those families coming down front for prayer that are serving orphans and vulnerable children. What a picture. I failed to say some things that I planned to say because I was just overwhelmed. It was a beautiful illustration of the Gospel! It was a wonderful picture of the Great Commission. It was a display of Acts 1:8. I praise God for the work He is doing in and through us! What a mighty blessing. To my beloved Church family. I thank God for you! What a tremendous day of worship and encouragment. May God continue to guide us into His will and bring us into conformity of His purposes. This is the most joyful place to be. It may be difficult at times, it may bring with it, even suffering, but it is joyful. I want to be....I desire to be....I long to be in the center of God's will in my life. This happens as we are obedient to His word and His word say to care for orphans and widows. One thing that I failed to mention yesterday in worship that I wanted to, was that one way to support orphans is through monthly sponsorship. I know many of you at DBC are already doing that and have been for years. Thank you! It makes a difference and is God honoring. Two great organizations doing work in this area is Worldvision and Holt International. The agency that I used to adopt my boys also offers a sponsership plan until the child is adopted into a family. So, if you would like any information on any of these groups, just let me know. What a service...WHAT A GOD! Praise Him today that He will not leave His people as orphans! Blessings, Bro. Matt