Child Trafficking Advocacy Opportunity

Below is a message I received from the International Justice Mission (IJM). Perhaps many of you received the same e-mail if you are on their list of supporters. As I read the notice below, I thought that perhaps some of you would be interested in forming a group to meet with our Congressmen and/or Senators. I have no experience in this area, which is why I thought this would be a great opportunity to learn the process with the help of IJM. It will give us experience for future advocacy campaigns. But most of all, child trafficking is something that needs to be addressed and stopped, and this is an opportunity to be a voice for those children.

I encourage you to prayerfully read below and contact us if you are interested in getting involved.

Dina Ackermann

avoiceforhischildren@gmail.com

630-213-3558

You can do something today to help end child trafficking.


Will you help IJM pass the Child Protection Compact Act of 2009 (HR 2737)?
IJM has expertise about what it takes to end slavery and trafficking, but the people who matter most to Members of Congress are their constituents. We need your help to urge your Members of Congress to support the Child Protection Compact Act of 2009 — groundbreaking legislation that seeks to eradicate trafficking in children in focus countries. With your help, we will reach policymakers in all 50 states.

Here is what you can do: Commit today to attending a meeting with your Member of Congress and/or Senators in your home state/district this August and share your passion to abolish modern-day slavery.

The IJM Justice Campaigns team will schedule and coordinate these meetings for you as part of a unified month of action -- sign up online and indicate your availability.
We will guide and support you, provide you with talking points, offer trainings by phone before your meeting, and will help you connect with other advocates in your area. Take the leap and sign up today! (Please reply by July 10 — we may not be able to schedule meetings after this point.)

Schedule too full for a meeting? Urge your Member of Congress to support the Child Protection Compact Act today through the current IJM Justice Campaigns Action Alert.

The CPCA holds promise for vulnerable children around the world who desperately need an ally — thank you for giving them one.


Gratefully, Eileen Campbell, Director of Justice Campaigns

P.S. Please forward this e-mail to friends, family and colleagues who may want to attend a district meeting with you!

Warner Bros. "Orphan" Movie

Please take a moment to take the side of those who cannot speak for themselves.

Orphans Deserve Better is a grassroots campaign to counter the new Warner Brothers movie "Orphan".

However far-fetched some stories are, they can still subtly shape the way we see the world. So when a major motion picture leaves the impression that orphans are damaged goods and that adoption can destroy your family, those who know the deeper truth must speak up.

People deserve to know better. They should hear about the great needs orphans face…the joy found in loving them…and practical steps each of us can take to do so.

“Defend the cause of the fatherless,” urges the prophet Isaiah. We invite you to join in doing just that. At http://www.orphansdeservebetter.org/ you can:

· Build a “counter narrative” to the movie by sharing your personal story of how loving an orphan brings joy.

· Send a message to Warner Brothers urging them to contribute a portion of proceeds from the movie to help orphans.

· Consider ways you can act to help orphans today.

Adoption Webinars

Registration starts TODAY for Joint Council's new webinars for prospective adoptive families, adoptive families, adoptees and adoption professionals! Joint Council has gathered some of the most renowned adoption experts who will present various adoption related topics in a webinar education series.

Webinars will occur on the first Tuesday and the first Thursday of each month at 7 PM EST and participants will gain access through submitting a nominal fee of $10 per webinar.

Joint Council is excited and privileged to offer this unique opportunity to hear directly from adoption experts and to pose questions to these experienced professionals.

Adoptive Parent Webinars registration begins today and will continue throughout 2009. To register now, click here!

2009 Adoptive Family Webinars Schedule:

Thursday, July 2nd: Eastern European Orphanages with Dr. Todd Ochs

Tuesday, July 7th: Developing Cultural Competence in Adopted Children with
Patricia Irwin Johnston, MS

Tuesday, August 4th: TBA

Thursday, August 6th: Journey to Me with Heather Forbes, LCSW

Tuesday, September 1st: Medical Special Needs Children with Dr. Todd Ochs

Thursday, September 3rd: Understanding and Managing Loss in Adoption with
Dr. David Brodzinsky

Thursday, October 1st: Fostering Attachment with Lynn Wetterberg

Tuesday, October 6th: When International Adoptions Mean Parenting Across Racial Lines with Beth Hall

Tuesday, November 3rd: Parenting Adopted Adolescents with Dr. Greg Keck

Thursday, November 5th: Brothers and Sisters in Adoption with Arleta James, M.S., P.C.C

Tuesday, December 1st: Importance of Life Books and Talking with Adopted Children About Adoption with Carrie Kitze

Thursday, December 3rd: TBA

Joint Council on International Children's Services:
117 South St Asaph St ● Alexandria, VA 22314 USA ●Tel: +1 703-535-8045 ● www.jointcouncil.org ● jcics@jcics.org

Dr. Russel Moore on WMBI

I encourage you to tune in to hear Dr. Russel Moore talk about the church and adoption. He will be interviewed by Janet Parshel on her show "Talking It Over". You can hear it on WMBI, 90.1 fm, Saturday morning, June 20th at 11:00. I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Moore as one of the keynote speakers at the Christian Alliance for Orphans conference in May. He definitely went deep and challenged my thinking on this subject.

If you miss the radio program, I believe you can go to the WMBI archives (http://www.wmbi.fm)/ to listen to the program. Also, A Voice for His Children Library has Dr. Moore's book entitled "Adopted for Life" as well as the DVD of his message from the orphan conference. To check out either resource, e-mail Dina at avoiceforhischildren@gmail.com.

Here's what tomorrow's program will cover:

The gospel of Jesus Christ—the good news that through Jesus we have been adopted as sons and daughters into God’s family—means that Christians ought to be at the forefront of the adoption of orphans in North America and around the world. Russell Moore understands both, earthly and heavenly adoption. He will challenge us to make adoption a priority for Christian families and churches.

Dr. Russell Moore Dr. Russell Moore is dean of the School of Theology and senior vice president for Academic Administration at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Moore is also the author of Adopted for Life and the senior editor of Touchstone Magazine.

Father's Day Frosty Weekend at Wendy's

DUBLIN, OHIO (June 15, 2009) – This Father’s Day Weekend (June 20-21), Wendy’s is helping consumers treat Dad and help foster children at the same time. Wendy’s third annual Father’s Day Frosty Weekend provides an easy and tasty way to support the cause of foster care adoption and help the more than 129,000 children in the U.S. who are waiting for the love of forever families. During Father’s Day Weekend, Wendy’s will donate 50¢ from every Frosty product sold to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA), a national, non-profit public charity dedicated to dramatically increasing the number of adoptions of foster children in North America. Also customers can stop by Wendy’s and donate to the cause by purchasing a Frosty pin-up for $1 each.

This year, Wendy’s is starting a new tradition for Father’s Day:
Design a Frosty eCard for Dad: Kids can go to FrostyCard.com to create a free custom Father’s Day eCard and Wendy’s will donate an additional 25¢ to the DTFA for every Frosty Card sent. Kids choose from a variety of scenes and objects, from sandcastles on the beach to baseball in the backyard. They can also give Dad a taste of Hollywood by selecting a pre-designed card created by a celebrity, such as actress Eva Longoria-Parker or former NBA star Alonzo Mourning, who along with other celebrities, designed cards to show their support of this cause.

“The Wendy’s system is very proud to be involved with this special event that supports the cause that our founder, Dave Thomas, was most passionate about – finding a permanent and loving home for every child in the foster care system,” said Wendy’s President David Karam, who serves on the board of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. “This is our third year for Father's Day Frosty Weekend and we've set our fundraising goal at $1.7 million! We hope families will find this an enjoyable way to celebrate Father’s Day while making a difference in the lives of foster children.”After raising more than $1 million in 2007 and over $1.5 million in 2008 during Father’s Day Frosty Weekend, Wendy’s remains committed to supporting the cause of foster care adoption in the U.S. The money raised during the weekend will support the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and its signature program: Wendy’s Wonderful Kids (WWK). This program is filling a critical need by funding full-time adoption professionals at local agencies in all 50 states to match parents with waiting foster care children.

The Dave Thomas Foundation for AdoptionThe Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is a non-profit 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to dramatically increasing the adoptions of the more than 150,000 children in North America’s foster care systems ready to be adopted. Created by Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas who was adopted as a child, the Foundation leads programs such as Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, which puts adoption recruiters in all 50 states and Canada to find permanent, loving families for children in the foster care system, and Adoption-Friendly Workplace, which encourages employers to offer adoption benefits to their employees. The Foundation also works with adoption advocates and officials to streamline the adoption process and make adoption more affordable for families. As the only Foundation dedicated exclusively to foster care adoption, it is driven by its founder’s simple value: Do what’s best for the child. To learn more about the Foundation’s work, please visit http://www.davethomasfoundationforadoption.org/.

Foster Care Adoption Quick Facts

Here are some quick facts about foster care adoption:

* On any given day, more than 500,000 children are in the U.S. foster care system.

* 127,000 children in the U.S. are waiting to be adopted - just waiting for the right family to find them.

* More children in foster care wait for adoption each year than those being adopted.

* In 2006, 79,000 children had parental rights terminated by the courts, yet:

*Only 51,000 were adopted from the foster care system.
* The average age of the child waiting to be adopted from foster care is eight years old. Many are older, in sibling groups, they are minority children, and/or have special needs.

* Each year, 20% of children (26,517 in 2006) exit foster care at age 18 without an adoptive family - of those:

* 2% earn a bachelor's degree or higher;
* 51% are unemployed;
* 25% have been homeless at some point;
* 30% receive public assistance;
* Many end up in prison and many have children of their own who also end up in foster care;


* In a recent survey of public opinion, 45% of those surveyed believed children were in foster care because of juvenile delinquency when the reality is that these kids have been abused, neglected or abandoned.

(Source: Focus on the Family)

Royal Family Kids Camp

Wednesday afternoon I had the opportunity to visit the Royal Family Kids Camp (RFKC) in Lake Geneva, WI. The purpose of the camp is to create hope and a week of positive memories for abused kids living in foster care.

RFKC is a non-profit organization founded in 1985. Each summer it serves nearly 7,000 campers around the U.S. and 7 other countries. The local camp in Lake Geneva is lead by Willow Creekers, Bart & Karen Francour. Volunteers from Willow Creek Community Church and other area churches serve in positions as camp counselors, social workers, nurses, drama & music team members, recreational activity & craft leaders, photographers, and grandpa/grandma & aunt/uncle role leaders.

I was struck by how intentional the planning is. The staff is well trained, and all the activities and structure are designed to create an atmosphere of hope and love, and to have the children discover their worth in Christ. As the children arrive at the camp they are welcomed by name, one child at a time, as they walk off the bus. They meet their counselor that will build into them all week long. Each counselor is responsible for two of the kids, so they get lots of personalized attention. A gazebo is beautifully decorated for an elegant tea party (a cookie party for the boys) where small groups of kids enjoy dressing up, learning about manners, and enjoying special treats. On Wednesday, the staff throws a huge birthday party for all the campers complete with cake and presents. Other activities include swimming, boating, crafts, woodworking, painting, and creating leather goods. Twice a day the kids participate in singing, bible stories, and drama. It is an awesome opportunity for them to learn God's word and hide His truths in their hearts.

They say that the last day is a difficult day for many of the children. They often cling to their counselors, not wanting to go back to the uncertainty and pain they face in the every day life. But for many, their experience of unconditional love they have found at camp gives them the hope and confidence to change the trajectory of their lives.

Is God calling YOU to serve with RFKC? If you have a heart for hurting children, I ask you to prayerfully consider getting involved. You can learn more by visiting the national web site at http://www.rfkc.org/, or by contacting Bart & Karen Francour at rfkc_lakecook.il@sbcglobal.net.

Dina Ackermann

Jesus Loves the Little Children

Jesus said, "'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them."

Please enjoy these beautiful drawings from an unknown artist.

Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit

At the end of April, myself (Dina) and three other team members from "A Voice for His Children" had the privilege of attending the fifth annual Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit. There were awesome keynote speakers such as Dennis Rainey, Dr. Tony Evans and others. More than 50 training sessions covered topics ranging from the mechanics of starting a church-based orphan ministry or an adoption support fund, to building regional networks and international church-to-church partnerships.

On the last night and the last session of the conference, everyone was asked to reflect on what God had been saying to them for the past two days. Then, we were all invited to lite a candle and bring it to the alter, saying a prayer or making a commitment that would be appropriate to what God was speaking to each of us. Here is how God spoke to each of our hearts:

Cecilia Puczek, Brooke Loske, Dina Ackermann & Jo Ann Noble attended the Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit in Dallas, TX

"A Big Thank You to all the contributors that made this trip possible for us! It was an amazing two-day experience packed with God-fearing speakers and helpful, eye-opener sessions. I was very encouraged to see so many people and churches that have the same calling and the same passion to serve the orphans! Through this Summit I learned that educating yourself in the orphan crisis does make a difference! I, myself, had many misconceptions on adoption (countries you can adopt from and the logistics of it); on how the orphan crisis looked like in other places of the world; about adopting children who are HIV positive; and about the various, creative ways to participate in this cause. I realized that so many people may be in the same place I was, not being able to participate due to lack of education...One of the speakers mentioned that God has called everyone in His church to serve the orphans and the widows, not only a few... with this, our hope now is to educate our church about this need and present this opportunity to everybody to be part of what God is already doing and what He would have us do!" Cecilia Puczek

"It was a blessing and a privilege to have been able to attend the orphan conference. First, God really affirmed me in my calling to serve orphans. He made it clear that I was right where He wanted me to be. Second, I gained a confidence and developed a deeper understanding of the issues involved in orphan ministry. I was able to make connections with other people from churches and organizations that are either traveling the same journey or exist to support ministries like ours. And finally, I was inspired by seeing how God is working all across the world to care for his little ones. As I heard one inspirational story after another from people just like me, I was reminded that God is on the move, tugging a people’s hearts, calling His Church to be a voice for his children." Dina Ackermann

"When A Voice for His Children began last August, I wasn't quiet sure what I was doing there. I felt like I was “along for the ride”, in a supportive/administrative way, but not a real personal way. I didn’t have a strong passion and tender heart for the vulnerable children like the others, but I knew God wanted me there. I now know my purpose. God opened my eyes, and my heart at the Christian Alliance for Orphans conference. I wasn’t expecting for God to rock my world, but he did. I now have a passion to raise awareness for domestic adoption.

They had a display in the lobby of the conference called the “Heart Gallery”. It was beautiful pictures of children in the foster care system that are currently eligible for adoption. It put a whole new face and perspective on what those children looked like. As I gazed at these beautiful children ranging in age up to 17, my heart was captivated and I ached for them because I knew that if people where aware of the possibilities there would be a forever family for every one of them. My desire is to bring the Heart Gallery to Willow Creek. I am terrified, but I know that if God called me to take on this task, he will equip me for it. I cannot do this on my own strength, so I will continue to lean on Him and look to Him for direction daily."

Brooke Loske

"I left with a better understanding of the foster care and adoption process and felt my heart bursting with so much to share with others. A heavy burden was also laid on my heart for the broken kids that are in need of a forever family. My husband and I have talked about possibly fostering or adopting many times over the years, but there were always questions.. especially about our age. After attending the conference and hearing so many stories from folks that were many years older than we are and taking children into their home to foster and/or adopt we were convinced! Thank you God for re-confirming to us our plan and purpose for Your kids. May it always be ALL for Your Glory! " Jo Ann Noble

We are already looking forward to next year's conference which will be April 29-30, 2010 in Minneapolis, MN. I hope you will consider joining us. For more information on the Christian Alliance for Orphans, please visit http://www.christianalliancefororphans.org/.

10 Ways Every Christian Can Care for the Orphan and Waiting Child

1. PRAY FOR THEM. Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8

• Tape a waiting child's picture to your dashboard and pray for the child every time you're in your car. Visit http://www.adoptuskids.org/ or http://www.rainbowkids.com/.
• Organize an evening prayer vigil at your church and pray for children in foster care or in an orphanage oversees.

2. SPEAK UP FOR THEM. Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all the unfortunate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy. Proverbs 31:8-9

• Carry a waiting child's picture and show it to other believers. Ask if they, or someone they know, would give this child a home.
• Become a court appointed special advocate for a child in foster care. Visit http://www.nationalcasa.org/ for details.

3. PROVIDE FOR THEIR NEEDS. If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and be filled." and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? James 2:15-16

• Give sacrificially to a reputable orphanage. Financial gifts can be designate for specific items and aid needed by orphans. Visit http://www.helporphans.org/ for more information.
• Organize a drive in your community to collect school supplies for children in foster care or shoes for orphans overseas. Visit http://www.gainusa.org/ or http://www.shoesfororphansouls.org/.
  
  

4. SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT THEM. ...and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds... Hebrews 10:24

• Mow, baby sit, or organize meals for a week for foster parents. Pray with them and tell them you appreciate what they do.
• Encourage a family adopting an older child by hosting a shower for them.

5. PROTECT THEM FROM HARM. The Lord protects the strangers; He supports the fatherless and the widow, but He thwarts the way of the wicked. Psalm 146:9

• Become a foster parent or emergency foster parent.
• Raise money to build a children's home to help remove children from the streets. Visit http://www.worldorphans.org/ for details.

6. VISIT THEM WHERE THEY ARE. 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. James 1:27

• Go on a mission trip to an orphanage as an individual or family. Visit http://www.gainusa.org/ or http://www.helporphans.org/ for information.
• Take dinner to a foster group-home on a regular basis.

7. GIVE SACRIFICIALLY TO THEM. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful give. 2 Corinthians 9:7

• Support reputable orphan care organizations on an ongoing basis.
• Contribute generously to an adoptive family to help offset their costs. Visit http://www.shaohannahshope.org/ or http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/.

8. ENCOURAGE THEM TO PRESS ON. We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:14

• Sponsor a child, support them financially, and encourage them through your letters. Visit http://www.visiontrust.org/ to learn more.
• Become a mentor or tutor to a teenager in a foster group-home.

9. ADOPT THEM INTO YOUR FAMILY. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families... psalm 68:5-6A NIV

• Give a child a home through international, domestic, or foster care adoption.
• Adopt a young adult who has aged out of the foster care system.

10. MOBILIZE YOUR CHURCH FOR THEM. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you... Matthew 28:18-20

• Be a catalyst in your church for starting a sustained orphans ministry. Visit http://www.hopefororphans.org/ for resources and to learn more about attending a Your Church and the Orphan Workshop.

(Taken from Hope for Orphans, a ministry of Family Life. http://www.hopefororphans.org/)