Burning Fire

My two posers Iz and El.

Jeremiah 20:9 (NASB) But if I say "I will not remember Him or speak anymore in His name," then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire shut up in my bones: and I am weary of holding it in, and I cannot endure it.
James 1:27 has that effect on me. "Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world."
Listen, caring for orphans is more than a good deed, more than a humanitarian act, more than feeling good about yourself, it is Pure and Undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father. If you are reading this and know Christ as your Lord and Savior, please do something to care for orphans and widows. What, you might ask? You can adopt a child (many different scenarios), you can assist financially (someone you know who is adopting), Foster care, go on mission trip to help at an orphanage, etc. When your eyes are opened to the reality of orphans, their living conditions in 3rd world countries, their neglect (including in our own country), helplessness, you should feel as I do and James 1:27 becomes like a burning fire shut up in your bones. Wake up and help one or more of the 143 million orphans in the world. For most people orphans are out of sight out of mind. Let your heart burn as mine does and speak forth as loud and as often as you can about the need for people to step up and live out James 1:27.

Adoption Ministry

Melissa and I have been in the adoption arena for just shy of 15 years and been through a gamut of experiences. Some good and some not so good, but the outcome always good. Six children (5 from birth and 1 at 2yrs old) from the foster care system. We were licensed to foster so that we could get the children while we were waiting for the Decree of Adoption. Currently we are in the process of adopting 2 boys from Haiti (our 1st international adoption).

All this to say that out my passion for Christ and reaching the lost for Him, and our adoption experiences and heart for orphans, we have started an adoption ministry called Beauty for Ashes Adoption Ministry. The name comes from Isaiah 61:1-3 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has annointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengence of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion -- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of deapair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.

Our heart is to draw people into God's family by adoption Romans 8:15 For you have not recieved a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons for which we cry out "Abba !Father!" and to open people's eyes to the fact that God is passionate about orphans. James 1:27 "Pure and Udefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

For more details please visit our website at beautyforashesadoptionministry.com