Serving "Sadie" Changed Us All

The Christmas season can be a particularly dark time for many of our clients.  They may feel the pressure of providing gifts for their kids, but have empty pockets or feel further alienated by their families due to their pregnancy decision.  We sometimes ask clients if they would like to be “adopted” for Christmas by a local church or small group so that they can feel the tangible hands and feet of Christ.  Often a small group will provide gifts for the kids, material needs or maybe a meal or groceries for the family in hopes that it will be the beginning of a bridge to a long-term, nurturing relationship.  Sometimes the clients are open to it and sometimes they are very hesitant and scared of the Church.  

Below is an update on our client “Sadie”, whose name has been changed for confidentiality.  Sadie was adopted by a small group from a local church for Christmas last year. 

Last November our small group contacted First Choice about “adopting” a client and her family for Christmas.  As a result, our small group was paired up with a young pregnant girl who was single and parenting three young boys.   We got in touch with her and she communicated her needs to us and we took her bags of Christmas gifts.  It was such a special blessing to all of us to serve her in that way! 

As a small group we thought that adopting Sadie for Christmas would be the extent of our relationship, but our small group has developed an on-going relationship with the whole family.   We have opened our lives up to her and it has been amazing!  She has come to my house for play dates, attended church with us and other activities.  I personally try to spend time with her each week.  My boys now consider her boys as some of their best friends.  

Sadie had her baby a few months ago, and since we have continued the relationship and our small group has taken her diapers and meals.  She felt so loved by our group that she was comfortable to ask me about getting some baby clothes for a few of her friends who are struggling financially.

Sadie hasn't accepted Christ yet, but I am trusting Christ to do a miracle in her life. I consider her a friend and plan on sticking with her through all that may be ahead.  We are in it for the long haul.

God has continued opening the door more than we could have imagined. Our confidence in His love for the hurting has been strengthened. He really loves the broken more than we do. As we've gotten to know Sadie, we've realized how alike we really are. Even though her life situation is different than ours, she has kids, parenting struggles, and needs basic support like the rest of us. As a small group we are so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of her life!  It has changed all of us!  

If your family or small group would like to enjoy relationships with our clients, please come to our training on September 21st.  Relationships like these shine God's love in to our community and grow us to be more like HIM.  Join us in the cause of LIFE!!!  Click here to learn more about Your LIFE for Theirs Ministry Training.