“At any given moment, there are about 4,000 kids in foster care across our state,” Jon Jamison, SCBaptist Serve Team Leader, said.

Of those children, approximately 100 are available for adoption. One way that SCBaptist is stepping in to help families support vulnerable children is through an adoption grant. Since the grant began, nine SCBaptist families have adopted children out of foster care, and five more families are in the process of adopting.  

Funded by the generous giving of SCBaptists to the Janie Chapman Offering, the grant is intended to reduce barriers and provide tangible support. “We’ve offered these grants as a way to support families for whatever needs may come through adoption,” Jamison said. “It is a way for the South Carolina Baptist Convention to say that we see you, we support you, and we want to offer whatever assistance we can as you endeavor into this significant ministry.” Jamison also pointed out that, statistically, older children are less likely to be adopted than infants or young children. “The older kids get, the more unlikely they are to be adopted,” he said. 

The Call to Adopt 

One family who stepped into this calling is the Samsons. Both believers, Vijay and Latha Samson moved to South Carolina from India, eventually landing at First Baptist Church Columbia. With their son, Mel, in college, the Samsons felt the Lord calling them to open their home through adoption. Grief unexpectedly struck their family when their son died. Despite their grieving, they decided to continue with the adoption journey that they had already started. “Grief turns into joy,” Latha said. “We were not sure of anything, but we knew we had love, and we were willing to learn.” 

Partnering with First Baptist Columbia’s adoption ministry, FBC 1:27, the Samsons were trained through DSS and matched with Chelsea. “We could see the beautiful spirit in her when she first came here,” Latha said. The Samsons admit that there was initially a period of transition both for them and for Chelsea, who was a preteen at the time. Latha emphasized that they were all learning to adapt. “Think about it, she’s coming to a house that has a totally different culture,” Latha said. “I don’t know how it all happened so beautifully, but I think today we are a family, and we love each other.”  

The Samsons knew they wanted Chelsea involved in church, so they took her to Sunday school at First Baptist Columbia. “Within six months, she came and said, ‘Mom, I want to be baptized,'” Latha said. Despite difficulties and trauma, the Samsons emphasize how Chelsea is thriving and growing. Vijay shared that Chelsea lights up any room she walks into. She has set a goal to be a first-generation college student, taking part in advanced classes and filling her schedule with activities like music and dance.  

Offering Support to Families 

For families like the Samsons, the adoption grant allows them to do more. “This grant has done a lot. We could go beyond and help and really give them more opportunities,” Latha said. “When we are worried and trying to plan out everything, that burden of finance is off our plate.” Jamison explained that the funds can be used at the discretion of the families and that many use it for “a host of needs,” including therapeutic interventions, educational experiences, and tangible items like clothing or furniture to outfit the child’s room. “Because of your support of the Janie Chapman Offering, we see these kids thriving in life—not just surviving.” 

Although funding is an important part of the process, the Samsons emphasized that this is not the only way to support families going through adoption or fostering. “I cannot forget how much the church helped me physically,” Latha said. Families from First Baptist Columbia brought them home-cooked meals and helped with transportation. Even something as simple as dropping by to talk with them was an encouragement. Despite sometimes feeling overwhelmed, they knew they were supported, and that God had a plan for them. “God has instrumented us to do this,” Vijay said.  

Living Intentionally 

The Samsons are not done with their adoption journey; they recently welcomed another daughter into their home, Layla. Vijay shared that for their family, they feel every day is a blessing provided by God. “I have a note on the door of my home that the best is yet to come,” he said. “We wait for that and know God is giving that to us.” 

Their story is just one glimpse into how SCBaptists are living out the Gospel by welcoming the vulnerable and supporting families. Through the generosity of churches giving to the Janie Chapman Offering, more children like Chelsea and Layla are finding stability and love in forever families. And for those considering adoption, Vijay offers a challenge: “These kids deserve a chance. Why not you?” After all, as he put it, “We still have so much room in the house.”