Foster Care and Adoption Archives

Connie Maxwell Trains Churches and Expands Services

As Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries continues its “Decade of Dreams” strategic plan, an important component will be a commitment to better understanding trauma and how to bring restoration, resiliency, and flourishing in Jesus name to kids from hard places. Connie Maxwell now offers free workshops, trainings, and resources focused on “Christ-centered, trauma-informed” care to churches

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Answering the Call to Adoption

Gardner, Anna

Kim and Matt had two older children on the brink of adulthood when they felt the Lord calling them to adoption. They had always talked about wanting to adopt but had never actually pursued it. Born into a tumultuous environment, Chandler entered the world amidst adversity, experiencing withdrawal after being exposed to drugs in the womb. Trusting

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Encouraging Foster Families at THRIVE

jhawley

SCBaptists across the state joined for fellowship, encouragement, and equipping in their calling as foster parents at THRIVE. “At any given day, there are over 4,000 children in foster care in South Carolina,” Jay Boyd, Senior Vice President for Ministry Strategy & Engagement at Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries, said. Connie Maxwell partnered with Taylors First

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Six Steps Towards Supporting Foster Families in the Church

SCBC Creative

Around six years ago, my wife Emily and I brought two beautiful little girls into our home through the foster care system. Not long after, we were blessed to adopt them into our family. Our passion for fostering and adoption came from a few different places. We realized that adoption is a picture of the

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A Journey of Foster Care, Faith, and God’s Strength

Gardner, Anna

When people ask how our foster care journey is going, we usually want to respond with, “How much time do you have?” It’s great, frustrating, all-consuming, exhausting, and fulfilling. It’s all of these things and more, but most of all, it’s hard. It’s probably the most difficult thing we have ever done in our marriage

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Caring for Foster Families in the Church

Gardner, Anna

The Ainsworths are passionate advocates for foster care and adoption. Joel, Community Pastor at Church at Cane Bay, explains, “from the very beginning, foster care and adoption have been part of our heart as a church because they’ve been such a big part of our story.” He and his wife, Emily, adopted their two daughters

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Sharing Christ’s Love through Foster Care

Gardner, Anna

For David and Katie Bennett, their experience as foster parents has been a Gospel opportunity for their family. David spoke about how they felt called by God to enter foster care ministry, saying “We really felt like this was what God was calling us to do. It’s an opportunity for us to display the Gospel

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Foster Care Prayer Guide

SCBC Creative

One of the core values of the South Carolina Baptist Convention is the Potential of Every Life. This every life extends to children who are removed from their homes and placed in foster care. It extends to the biological families who have had their children removed from their care. This Every Life extends to the

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Leading Your Church in Foster and Adoptive Ministries

Gardner, Anna

As a pastor, you have a unique opportunity to lead your congregation in caring for vulnerable children through foster and adoptive ministries. Will Browning, adoptive parent and SEND City Missionary with the North American Mission Board, shared three key ways to do that: model, join, and dedicate. By modeling, joining, and dedicating, you can lead

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Role Models for Youth in Foster Care

Gardner, Anna

Growing up in foster care can be an isolating experience for many young people, particularly those who age out of care without a forever family. Without a support system, it can be challenging to navigate the complexities of adult life. However, having a positive role model can make a significant difference in the life of

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