Sharing a Need and Being a Blessing

The Johnson's at Christmas 2012 before committing to adopt.  D. and V. are on either side.

    The Johnson's were put on my heart and so in obedience I am sharing their story with you in the hopes that a radical thing will be done with this small act of posting. 

    Erin and Phillip from Virginia had two boys when they began their journey to adoption a few years back.  God brought them to their lovely daughter M. in Ukraine and from that point on, they like many others have been wrecked for the fatherless. 

    Pulled by God again they stepped into hosting.  They weren't thinking adoption again at this point, but God placed precious 7 yr old, V., into their home.  And as you all know, when God has a plan there isn't any stopping it.  God was already working in them to see through an eternal lens and with peace that they might trust him in this journey.

The oldest three - (Baby K. stays in a place separate from the older boys)

    You see, V., comes with a package deal.  He's a part of a sibling group of four.  V., now 8, has three brothers; D. 11, Little V. 7, and baby K. 2 years old.  This last Christmas they hosted again.  This time D. the oldest, came too.  Phillip and Erin were sure they would see why it wouldn't work out to adopt a child much older.  But instead they discovered a precious heart of a child who looked at them and said "nee mah" Ukraine. Here. Dom (pointing to our house).  With hope and through tears he longed to be their son.  Erin shared "We just couldn't live our lives knowing a child asked us to be his parents and we said no."

Erin with D. and V.

   These last few months as they have stepped out in faith knowing it would be ALL God to be able to not only bring one home but four, he has continued to teach the Johnson's about dependency on him for everything.

   They have been comforted and encouraged by 2 Corinthians 9:8:  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

   Yesterday as I visited with Erin and listened to their story of needing $16,000 by September 1st, I felt peace with the pull that I needed to join them.  To stand with them in whatever small way I could and with what resources I have available to me and so I offered my blog to share them with you!  I pray that you will feel what I feel and want to add them to your prayers too. 

    And today something pretty incredible happened.  Erin messaged me to say that first thing this morning someone came to them to offer a $5,000 matching grant and that they have ONE week to match it. Amazing to think that as we were agreeing together for what God is doing someone was already being moved to bring this offer to them!!  What a beautiful reminder to me too that trusting God in EVERY detail and stepping out when it just seems "too big" absolutely go together. 

    May those who are walking this same journey find great comfort in this and I pray that those who are reading about adoption but not called to adopt themselves would lay themselves out as an offering to be the means - the bridge - the answered prayer for orphans. 

To sow into the adoptions of these four boys and to MATCH your giving click here:

www.adopttogether.org/thejohnsons

 To watch their video, How Hosting An Orphan Changed Our Life:

http://youtu.be/HNL9-FF3JO0



And to follow the Johnson's journey you can read their blog by going to

www.enteringtheborderland.blogspot.com 

 Bless you Erin and Phillip!  We are cheering your family on!!