An Open Letter to the Pastors of New Hampshire (1200+ of us),
For almost 30 years I have pastored here in NH. Although not a native, and by some accounts no chance of ever becoming one, I do appreciate the strength of the people of our state and those of the surrounding New England states. It was no accident that God chose New England to birth a new land of freedom and opportunity.
For almost 12 years we’ve been involved in helping to change the face of foster care. We never dreamed of the adventure, challenge and joy that it would bring into our lives. Now I’m reaching out to you because you are the gatekeepers for releasing the most powerful social welfare force in our state – the Church! D.L. Moody once said, “There is no telling what God can do through one man who is totally yielded to Him.” I believe that, and so do many of you; and so do many we serve.
I’m asking for prayer: Would you please pray for the close to 820 NH children that are in foster care (down from 1200+)? Most have suffered from abuse and neglect at the hands of their parents. The fact that they are in foster care wasn't their fault. Many of their parents grew up in the same system. Without help these kids are programmed to repeat the destructive cycle their parents modeled. Doesn’t love compel us to somehow be involved?
Would you hold this need before the eyes of your people? What we gaze upon changes us! Peter looked at the waves and his situation changed; Lot's wife looked the wrong way and it cost her; Elisha's servant had his eyes opened and it changed everything! It is one thing to read about needs in the foster care system in a mass mailing; it’s quite another to have your pastor advocate for action and involvement. Some of NH’s most compassionate people attend our services each Sunday, and many might need an area of new involvement.
Did you know that 70%+ of NH’s foster parents attend our services each Sunday? That is a significant statistic, and one that DCYF has taken notice of. Yet, the need continues. James 1:27 says “visiting widows and orphans in their time of need” reflects true Christianity. “Visiting” means “to provide for the welfare of” not just to spend an afternoon together. DCYF is asking for our help. The need for foster parents is greater across the central counties of the state. Together we can make a big difference!
Next Step? This depends on you. There’s no formula and plenty of options. • Check out a few websites looking for the part you & your congregation could play. • Face honestly your concerns about working with the State. Let’s talk. • Talk to members of your congregation about being foster parents. • Designate a Community Liaison to be our contact person. • Schedule a guest speaker; or, request additional brochures for distribution. • We could start an email conversation and see where it takes us. • Make a commitment to do something.
For more information or to schedule a guest speaker, please contact Jan Lessard at Bethany Christian Services (JLessard@bethany.org, (603) 483-2886). Jan and her capable staff can also help you with additional brochures. If I can help you in any way, just let me know. AdoptUSKids.org, CVFAPA.com and NHFAPA.org are other great sources of information.
Thanks for giving me these few minutes of your time.
