Below is a message from the International Justice Mission (IJM) as well as an advocacy opportunity addressing the human trafficking issue. I encourage you to sign the petition and pray for the work of IJM.

"...Our destiny is connected to those beyond our shores."
— President Barack ObamaState of the Union Address, January 27, 2010

Tonight, we're asking all IJM supporters to invest a few minutes to ensure the U.S. government makes the fight against human trafficking a priority.

As you watched President Obama’s first State of the Union address tonight, no doubt you had many concerns on your mind and likely Haiti was among them.

Breakdown of rule of law across the country in the wake of the January 12 earthquake has left many Haitians, particularly the tens of thousands of children orphaned in the disaster, vulnerable to violent human rights abuses, including human trafficking. I hope you’ll take just a few minutes of your time to join IJM in asking the President to address the critical needs of some of the world’s most vulnerable people.

On Inauguration Day 2009, many of you answered the call to sign a letter to President Obama, asking him to make the eradication of slavery and trafficking a hallmark of his presidency. Since that time, President Obama has appointed committed diplomats and made a powerful statement by declaring January National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

Tonight, I’d like to ask you once again to join IJM in calling on President Obama to protect children from trafficking and exploitation, in Haiti and around the world.

IJM has demonstrated in slavery-burdened countries like Cambodia and the Philippines that when local governments have the necessary political will, financial resources and training, it is possible to rescue and protect victims and put the criminals who prey on them behind bars. We need your help to ensure that the Obama Administration continues to provide the resources and diplomatic support to help foreign governments make more victories like these possible.

Rebuilding Haiti’s police and courts must be a top priority. Your voice makes a difference. Please sign your name to IJM’s letter to President Obama and forward this to others, urging them to do the same.

Thank you for all you do to protect children, women and men from violent injustice.

In partnership,Eileen Campbell

Director of Justice CampaignsInternational Justice Mission

The following post is taken from the Tapestry Adoption & Foster Care Ministry blog at Irving Bible Church in Texas. ( http://www.irvingbible.org/ and http://tapestryblog.org/) It is a thoughtful commentary about the issues regarding Haiti and adoption.

As the pictures from the devastation in Haiti continue to pour in, the reality of the long, slow road of recovery and rebuilding is becoming more apparent. But even in the midst of the tragedy, heartache and seeming hopelessness, God is clearly at work. Over the past days we have seen and heard inspiring stories of remarkable faith, hope and courage from Haiti. And the response from Christians across the U.S. – particularly toward the orphans and vulnerable children in Haiti – has been equally encouraging.

Understandably, the situation in Haiti has led many Christians to begin asking questions about international adoption, and specifically about adoption from Haiti. There have been countless news reports about the status and future of international adoptions from Haiti and, not surprisingly, no small amount of confusion has resulted.

In an effort to provide some reliable facts and some helpful next steps, we wanted to let you know what we have learned about the current adoption landscape in Haiti. In doing so we are only attempting to touch on the high points. As always, if you have questions or need more information please contact Tapestry at tapestry@irvingbible.org and we will be sure to follow up with you.

Some Basic Facts about International Adoption from Haiti
Prior to the earthquake there were (according to recent estimates) as many as 380,000 orphans in Haiti. Tragically, some have estimated that the number of orphans in Haiti may double or even triple as a result of the earthquake. Yet despite this staggering number of orphans only a little more than 300 Haitian children were adopted by U.S. families in 2009. In addition, the average time to complete an international adoption from Haiti pre-earthquake was close to three years.

We could write a book about why this disparity between the number of orphans and the number of international placements exists, whether it is defensible (or not), why the wait time is so long, why the tension between adoption and humanitarian organizations exists and so on. But the reality is that international adoption was not adequate to address the needs of the vast majority of Haiti’s orphans pre-earthquake, and that will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future. As a result, we must all focus on the crucial importance of continuing to pray, give, advocate and serve – not just for the immediate needs in Haiti (which are many and urgent) but for the long-term. Along those lines, let us encourage you to continue to pray about how God would have you, your family and your church be involved to serve the ‘fatherless’.

Adoptions in Process Pre-Earthquake
The U.S. and Haitian governments have determined to “expedite” many of the adoptions that were already in process prior to the earthquake. This is being done via a process known as “humanitarian parole” and it relates to two categories of children whose adoptions were already in process pre-earthquake: (1) children who had been legally confirmed as orphans eligible for intercountry adoption by the Haitian government and (2) children who had been identified by an adoption service provider or facilitator as eligible for intercountry adoption and were matched to prospective U.S. adoptive parents. Certainly this is terrific news for the children and families affected and we rejoice with them.

Adoptions Post-Earthquake
We can make this real simple – as of now no new international adoption processes are being started for children in Haiti. As we noted earlier, one of the best and most reliable places to go for information on all international adoption programs (including Haiti) is the Joint Council on International Children’s Services (JCICS). The JCICS webpage for Haiti indicates very clearly that new adoptions from Haiti by U.S. citizens are “closed.” While there does seem to be some discussion in the U.S. about streamlining the international adoption process for Americans wanting to adopt from Haiti (and possibly other countries as well), there is no clear indication as to whether or when that will happen.

How You Can Respond
The fact that Haiti is currently closed for new adoptions should not discourage you from taking the next step and getting involved. There are many different ways to serve orphans in Haiti and around the world, and we would be happy to discuss your options with you – so don’t hesitate to contact us.

If God has opened your eyes to the needs of the ‘fatherless’ and is calling you to adopt – even if you feel called to adopt specifically from Haiti – there is still much that you can do. Many people think that beginning the adoption process means that they must research information about agencies, gather the necessary financial resources, fill out applications and start waiting. Some people are even considering rushing out to obtain a generic home study.

These are all certainly ways you can get started, but let us encourage you to “get started” in a somewhat different fashion. By pouring yourself into the tangible steps listed below you will be “getting started” in a direction that will help you build a strong foundation for one day loving and serving a child in need – whether from Haiti, your own community or wherever God may lead you:

● Pray – To some it may sound almost cliché, but the first step (and a continual part) of any adoption journey for those who are followers of Christ must be to pray. No matter where your journey leads you please continue to pray.
● Examine – Your motivations and expectations matter when it comes to adoption, and yet many people spend far too little time examining themselves. Read this helpful article about the importance of continually examining your motivations and expectations.
● Prepare – Children who are impacted by adoption and foster care have histories that can have profound impacts in a multitude of ways. These “children from hard places,” which certainly includes all of the orphans in Haiti, will need parents who not only have huge hearts and a deep well of compassion, they need parents who are informed, equipped and committed to building trust and helping their child heal. There are some great resources available to help parents understand these challenges and how to meet them. Some of the best resources can be found at Empowered to Connect.

Tapestry is committed to helping and serving families called to adoption and foster care in any way that we can. As the situation in Haiti continues to develop we will be sure to provide periodic updates on the Tapestry Blog.

In the meantime, please let us know how we can best serve you as you prayerfully consider how God would have you respond.

Update on Safe Families Haiti Initiative

Below is the latest update from Dr. Dave Anderson at Safe Families:







I thought I would update you on our current knowledge of the Haiti situation. If you've been following the news, you probably know:

150,000 confirmed dead with estimates of 200,000 total
194,000 injured
3 million affected
800,000 to 1 million displaced
300,000 children below 2 yo in need of critical nutrition


These are staggering numbers. Although searches are still going on, efforts are expanding to meet basic needs of food and water. Flights into and out of Haiti are increasing as well. They are now projecting 130 - 150 flights per day. United will again be flying charter missions later this week to drop off supplies and bring back people.

I've also learned a lot about the State Department. Illinois had us prepare for what they thought would be a surge of Haitian children starting last week and possibly continuing on for a period of time. This weekend, I was contacted via phone and email by a number of orphanges who were seeking assistance in extracting children. However, as time has gone on, it appears as though the State Department is standing firm on only allowing US residents or Haitians with pre-approved Visas to enter the States. They did ease some immigration restrictions by expediting children who were already in the pipeline to be adopted and had a family identified. So far, 263 orphans have been evacuated and connected with adoptive families. However, as of yesterday, the US embassy in Haiti halted the evacuation of orphans who were already in the pipeline to be adopted, per David Levanthal from Hope for the Orphans. Paul Pennington from Hope for the Orphans was in Haiti at the US Embassy yesterday with 20 children who were pre-approved for adoption and had awaiting families. They were told that the evacuation of those children is on hold. Paul returned to the states last night.

So... until the State Department eases immigration standards, that's where we are. However, they are routinely reviewing these decisions and changes may occur depending on need and capacity. Recent statements by the State Department indicate their commitment to provide support to Haitians in their own country. We've had discussions with DCFS yesterday about providing short-term care (6 months) to help alleviate some of the suffering. This was well received. However, until the State Department eases standards, this probably won't be an option.

The response to the projected need has been great. We are processing new Safe Family applicants now. However, if you sent in your application but decided that you do not want to go forth in the process until new Haitian children are definitely on the ground, please let the person who contacts you know that. Also, Lydia Home is not approved to do international adoptions. So... if you were hoping to adopt a child, please contact an international adoption agency like Bethany. Finally, if your interest in Safe Families is only to help Haitian children and you would not be available to help other children in crisis situations, please let us know. We wouldn't want to contact you for other critical needs if you would not be available.

Thanks so much for your interest. Keep praying for the people of Haiti and for wisdom for people in the State Department. The Christian Industrial League and the Red Cross are still processing legal immigrants coming on flights from Haiti. We've let them know that some of our families may be interested in accepting a parent and their children.

As we get more information, we will keep you informed.

Thanks.

Dave
www.safe-families.org

P.S. I just received this note from the White House. More information to come. "In our efforts to keep concerned communities in the United States informed about the current situation in Haiti, we invite you to participate on a conference call with Administration officials at 1:30pm EST, this Wednesday January 27th. The focus of this call will be on adoption and orphan-related issues, including an update on current U.S. government efforts and continued public guidance. "

AV4HC at Bartlett Community Expo

Please join A Voice 4 His Children this weekend at the Bartlett Library's 3rd Annual Community Expo.

The Community Expo is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and volunteer for worthy causes. Members of several civic organizations will be available to answer questions and explain their mission.

We will be engaging people in converstation about adoption, foster care and orphan care, and will be passing out literature from Safe Families, The Dave Thomas Foundation and the James Fund.

This free expo is on Sunday January 31, 2010, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. No registration is required. The Bartlett Public Library is located at 800 S. Bartlett Road, Bartlett IL 60103.

Please stop by and visit our booth!

Haiti's Orphans & Adoption

Agencies Overwhelmed by Efforts to Aid Haiti's Orphans
Katy Muldoon
January 22, 2010

(RNS) -- Alicia Swaringen of Eugene, Ore., received heart-swelling news the morning after last week's deadly earthquake in Haiti: Sthainder, the 4-year-old boy she planned to adopt, was safe. And then it hit her.

The adoption paperwork, amassed over three painstaking years, was in Haiti's Ministry of Interior, now rubble and dust. What, she wondered, would become of the affectionate boy she yearns to bring to Oregon?

By Tuesday (Jan. 19), Swaringen's fears subsided with news of plans to speed up as many as 900 U.S. adoptions that were already in progress before the quake -- and to ease the way for more.

Even before the Jan. 12 earthquake, Haiti was awash in orphans, about 380,000 according to the U.N. Children's Fund. Many had lost parents to hurricanes, floods, disease or poverty. They lived in about 200 legitimate orphanages or group homes. Other children, however, were sold through bogus orphanages.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has announced a "humanitarian parole" policy to expedite legitimate adoptions already under way. Plus, orphans with U.S. ties, such as family living here, will get special permission to stay.

A flight carrying 53 Haitian children landed Tuesday in Pittsburgh. In Miami, the Catholic Church proposed a plan similar to 1960's Operation Pedro Pan, which brought 14,000 Cuban children to the U.S. The Haitian version, Pierre Pan, involves placing thousands of children in group homes before pairing them with foster parents.

However, in the flurry to help tens of thousands of children that aid groups say may have been orphaned by the quake, agencies such as Eugene-based Holt International Children's Services are proceeding cautiously. "It's incredibly important in times like this to take every precaution that an ethical, professional, compassionate process takes place," said Susan Soon-Keum Cox, Holt's vice president. "There may be children that appear to be orphans, but we need to make sure there are no other family member or neighbors willing and happy to take that child into their family. We can't rush in and assume that they'd be better off somewhere else."

Holt, a nonprofit Christian organization, works in 14 countries to find children safe, permanent, loving homes. It has operated in Haiti for about a decade and had 21 adoptions in progress there when the earthquake struck. Employees at Holt learned by text message that the 30 children and their caregivers in Holt's compound about 40 miles from Port-au-Prince were safe. Cox said they expect the orphanage will serve as a refuge for many more displaced children in the months ahead. She and colleagues are working frantically to arrange for supplies and help.

Calls have spilled into Holt in recent days from those interested in adoption -- a trend, Cox said, that "demonstrates a real compassion. But we have to remember: Adoption is a very complex, complicated procedure ... It needs to be preserved for times when a child has no other possibility to have a family."

Swaringen met the child she hopes to adopt last May at Holt's facility in Haiti. Sthainder (pronounced Sten-dare) was 3, yet seemed sure the tall, blond woman was trustworthy.
"We walked up to each other," Swaringen said. "I sat on the ground. He leaned over, gave me a little kiss on the cheek and put his arms around me. It was so incredibly precious. He sat in my lap and hugged me for an hour ... We bonded immediately." Swaringen, 48, single and a massage therapist, has wanted to be a mother for most of her life. "Things didn't work out that way," she said. "So adoption was an obvious solution."

Three years after she started the process, Swaringen had planned her next trip to Haiti for February, when she expected to sign paperwork to finalize the adoption. She figured on bringing her young boy home in five or six months. Now, she said, "he may be here next week or next month. I just feel really blessed that there is this little boy there for me, and I'm here for him."

Copyright 2010 Religion News Service. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Find this article at: www.wyll.com/11625266/

Congressional Support for Focus on Haitian Orphans

The following, is from the Christian Alliance for Orphans web site. Let's thank and pray for these Senators that are being a voice for His children....


A number of Congressional members are working to ensure the U.S. State Department places full attention on issues facing orphans in Haiti as a key focus of the overall U.S. response. Among those at the forefront of this effort are long-time orphan and adoption advocates Senator Mary Landrieu and Senator Jim Inhofe.

A letter on Monday from Inhofe to Secretary of State Clinton requested “that the Department of State exercise broad discretion in the issuance of humanitarian parole and temporary visas for orphaned children who have connections (adoption or familial) with American families and to identify opportunities for orphaned children to receive temporary care and shelter within the U.S.”

While cynics could point out that standing up for orphans isn't exactly a “risky” position for an elected official to take, there’s no question that attention and “reminders” from Congressional leaders can help ensure that Executive Branch leadership and civil servants give active, aggressive attention to key issues that might otherwise have been left on the back burner. Also worth noting: Senators Landrieu, Inhofe and several others have been active and sacrificial champions of adoption, foster youth and orphans for years.

Update on Safe Families Haiti Initiative

At the beginning of this week, DCFS officials asked us (Safe Families) what our capacity would be to help children whose families have not been located (unaccompanied minors) from Haiti in response to the US governement's request. We activated our network of churches to get a firm number of our capacity by Wednesday. We were told that planes were landing Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and there would possibly be a bunch of children, which increased the urgency. However, the decisions about who will be on the planes is made on the ground in Haiti by US and Haitian government officials and we do not know much until they land. The flight did not come in on Tuesday. On the Wednesday flight, all the children were accompanied by an adult.

United Airlines reported that they will send a plane a day for 30 days down to Haiti with supplies and will return with people in the evening. Although the process for welcoming children has been chaotic because it is an unprecendented catastrophy, systems are coming together. DCFS in Illinois will take charge of processing all "unaccompanied minors" that come in and then contact Safe Families to find homes. However, government policy can change at any moment so... we are called to prepare and then wait, which is what we are doing.

Some of you may have heard that there is a call from the international community to discontinue sending unaccompanied minors out of Haiti because of how difficult it will be to reconnect them with family. That does make sense. However, orphanges are being robbed of their food and water by starving people, and there are reports of unaccompanied children being claimed by strangers and then sold. Also, birth certificates and other information are absent so it is quite difficult matching kids with parents, especially the very young. I'm glad I'm not in a position to have to make decisions regarding who goes and who stays.

Luckily, Safe Families is uniquely positioned to welcome these children if they come because our host families are trained to love children and then give them up with grace if their families are found as the dust settles. Our primary goal has always been the reuniting of families. I was at the airport last night to get a better sense first had of the process and need. Adults and children were getting off. From my position, it looked like all the children were accompanied by a relative. I was later told that there were a number of unaccompanied children on that flight. I guess we will find out later today if/when we are called. There is also another flight tonight, and so on....

So... we hurry and wait. In my own spiritual journey, I've learned that this is a good practice. How quickly can I, my family, and my church be prepared to leverage everything we have (my family, money, home, possessions, etc.) for Kingdom purposes? The current Haiti crisis is compelling and forces us to loosen our hold on our money, possessions, homes, in order to act. Yet there are daily crises occuring in the lives of families who live right around us, which is how Safe Families first got started. In acknowedging our incredible capacity of Safe Families volunteers, the DCFS director said maybe this (Haiti crisis) is one of the reasons the Lord has been leading people over the past few years to live out biblical hospitality in their homes. If Safe Families hadn't recently grown so much in capacity because of the generous hearts of host families, Illinois would not be in as good of a position to assist (if needed) in this humanitarian crisis.

We are so excited that many new families are joining the movement and will be available to address the needs of domestic children after the Haitian crisis has lessened. The need is not just today and tomorrow. Flights wil not end even after 30 days. Millions of people have been affected by this tragedy. Identifying and processing the most vulnerable will be an ongoing challenge that will likely take months, if not years. Hopefully, support systems will be established and strengthen so unaccompanied children will not have to be shipped off to a strange land. However, if that is needed, we will be ready.

If you don't like waiting (which I generally do not) and would like to help the adults and families getting off the plane, I'm told that most, if not all, are going to the Christian Instustrial League's Shelter in Chicago. I'm sure they can use help and financial support. We did offer to them Safe Families because I know that a number of you have expressed an interest in taking in parents and their children. What a gift. Relief and development agencies also need your help (e.g. World Vision, World Relief). Local Red Cross volunteers are processing people as they get off the plane. The response we've received from people in Chicagoland is incredible.

Thank you for having your friends and family contact us. It makes me proud to be a follower of Christ the way people have been willing to give us their homes (well not literally). We are still processing new host families. DCFS has not been told what might be coming so we don't know the need.

If you are angry, I'm sorry. Some have demanded that we send them kids. This isn't a competition or a race. This catastrophy isn't about us or our needs. If you are impatient, I'm sorry. There is so much uncertainty, and the information we receive from DCFS changes multiple times a day. I've always understood the importance of compassion and hospitality as being foundations for the Christian life. However, I've never really understood why Christ mentions humility as being so important. Now I get it. A humble, compassionate Christian/Church is soothing and powerful.

Thanks. I love the Church.

Dave

P.S. If you would like to become a host family, go to http://www.safe-families.org/ and complete an application.

Safe Families in the news: Chicago Sun-Times Article 1/21/2010

State opens arms to evacuees from Haiti
HAITI RELIEF Groups line up homes, hospitals for kids

January 21, 2010
BY MICHAEL SNEED Sun-Times Columnist


Sneed hears the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is already in the process of lining up private homes and hospitals to prepare for Haiti's injured, lost or orphaned children.
The evacuees are expected to arrive from Port-au-Prince via 30 United Airlines relief flights. "We are just trying to line up the flight slots now," said a United source.

A plane carrying Haitian evacuees arrived via United Airlines Flight 9902 at O'Hare Airport on Wednesday night. Gov. Quinn, who met the plane, told Sneed: "There is a French expression in the Haitian language we need to take to heart. It means, 'We shall go to the end!'"
"It's really what we in the state and the country need to do to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti. And we shall."

The children were expected to be taken to a shelter and/or hospital Wednesday night after the plane arrived, to determine their medical needs. Sneed is told a planeload of orphaned children from Haiti who landed in Pittsburgh this week were in serious need of immediate medical care.
"Some had tuberculosis, head lice and other diseases ... besides injuries from the earthquake," said a source. "Medical attention for Haitian children arriving in Chicago will be met first before being taken to caring homes."

Sneed also has learned DCFS set plans in motion late Tuesday to accommodate 50 Haitian children. An organization called Safe Families for Children, described as "a group of compassionate Christians who open their homes to children from families in crisis -- before children are taken into state custody," was contacted by DCFS.

Founded in 2002 by Dr. David Anderson, executive director of LYDIA, a Christian social service agency in Chicago, the organization was created in the wake of a deadly summer for children who died at the hand of a parent. "It is intended to provide extended child care for families in crisis," a source said.

Approximately 20 families who attend Willow Creek's North Shore church and are part of Safe Families for Children immediately volunteered to care for the children. "We have been told to prepare, but as of now, we don't know what the ages of the children we will be caring for are.
"We may be in a holding pattern ... but we're ready."

How wonderful. How amazing.

Haitian Orphans as Refugees to the U.S.

Below is a breaking news update from the Christian Alliance for Orphans.

The U.S. government is giving serious consideration to allowing a large number of Haitian orphans to enter the U.S.—essentially as refugees under special humanitarian provisions. Whether these children could enter permanent families through adoption in the short term is unclear. However, it appears likely that the primary entry point for them to the U.S. would be South Florida. Alliance member organization 4KIDS of South Florida has been contacted by Florida’s Department of Children & Families (DCF) with questions about 4KIDS’ capacity to aid with both direct care and connections to additional care options nationwide. 4KIDS informed DCF that they stood ready not only with their own network of churches in South Florida, but also to activate a vast network of churches committed to caring for orphans nationwide through the Alliance. If the Federal and state governments decide to move forward with this plan, we’ll be asking you to join this work in every way possible.

Haitian Adoption Status

Parents that have been in the process of adopting from Haiti are distraught at prospects that their adoptive children could be kept from them indefinitely as a result of the destruction of government records and systems and the loss of key documents, as well the deaths of key government officials. Meanwhile, a large number of American families are indicating their willingness to adopt newly-orphaned children.

The current focus of most organizations at present needs to be addressing immediate issues—medicine, water, food, shelter and other necessities. Even beyond the immediate crisis, it is unlikely avenues for new adoptions will open in the near term. However, officials in the U.S. State Department have begun looking seriously at alternative ways for families already in the adoption process to complete their adoptions as quickly as possible. (See their most recent public posting at http://adoption.state.gov/news/haiti.html).

The details of what alternatives will look like have not yet been revealed, and adoptive families should not yet raise expectations of immediate processing. What we do know is that in-process adoptions are the first-wave priority, and the State Department has committed to working to secure adoption visas (IR 3 and 4s) whenever possible as quickly as they are able. In addition, some members of Congress and advocacy organizations are urging the State Department to allow what called “humanitarian parole” for children who have been referred, which would allow the child to travel to the U.S. without a visa.

In the coming days, we anticipate an announcement from the State Department with greater details on visa and/or “humanitarian parole” options. In the meantime, per the U.S. State Department: U.S. citizens with pending adoption cases in Haiti are requested to contact the Department of State at askci@state.gov for information about their adoption case. In your inquiry, please include in the subject line, Haitian adoption Information. The inquiry should include the full name and contact information (including e-mail address) of parents, full name(s) of child(ren), date(s) of birth of child(ren) (if possible), a brief summary of the status of the case, and the name and contact information for the orphanage, and the file and/or case number.

Source: LifeSong for Orphans

Free Orphan/Adoption Conference in Bloomington/Normal, IL

The Connecting Hearts with the Forgotten Adoption and Orphan Awareness Conference exists to help people capture the heart of God for the fatherless among us and throughout the world. We encourage you to look visit www.connectinghearts.org to answer all your questions as you consider joining us!

The Connecting Hearts with the Forgotten team is committed to keeping this conference free of charge. Considering overwhelming adoption expenses and the vast need for orphan ministry, we are passionate about coming alongside the workers of the field to educate and equip at no cost to them!

February 20th, 2010
9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Christ Church
1301 North Linden
Normal, IL 61761

If you are interested in going as a team with AV4HC, please contact Dina Ackermann at avoiceforhischildren@gmail.com.

The Dragon Sisterhood Resource

I've been made aware of a resource book for families with children adopted from China. It's called "The Dragon Sisterhood - A Guide to Chinese Adoptive Parenting in America". The author, Beckett Franklin Gray, is a parenting author and the director of the charible non-profit 503(c)(3) The Dragon Sisterhood, providing education based financial need scholarships to Chinese adoptees. Proceeds from the sale of the book will be used to fund the scholarships.

For more information on how to obtain the book and view their blog, visit http://dragonsisterhood.blogspot.com/

FaceBook Challenge for Half the Sky

Almost 10 years ago my husband and I adopted our first child from China. Throughout the years I've known about and supported the efforts of an organization called Half The Sky, started by a mom named Jenny Bowen. HTS has amazing programs that care for the needs of orphans in China. I'm continually amazed at how effective they are in their work, and how this organization has grown. For this reason, I'm asking all FaceBook junkies to step up to the challenge described below. For HTS to win this contest would be an amazing triumph in the lives of orphans throughout China. Please take a few moments to read the letter from Jenny Bowen and get involved. For more information on Half the Sky, visit their web site at www.halfthesky.org.

January, 2010

Dear Friends of Half the Sky,

If you haven’t heard it already, you’re about to hear some wonderful news.

Half the Sky has the great good fortune of being one in only 100 nonprofits competing for a $1 Million prize in the Facebook Chase Community Giving contest.

If we win, we will be able to do something we’ve only dreamed about. We will be able to transform the lives of ALL of China’s orphans within just a few short years.

I know it’s a long shot, but I just keep thinking of all of the people who pulled together and voted so that I could carry the Olympic Torch on behalf of China’s orphans.

And I think of all the people who pitched in to help Half the Sky provide relief and comfort to thousands of children whose lives were shattered by the Sichuan earthquake.

And I think of a kind supporter named Julie, who wrote to us during the holidays: “I would give you guys a million dollars if I had it. You are awesome and make such a difference to so many children. Thanks for all you do.”

And I’ve just got to believe that we might have a chance.

We need your help.

If you have a Facebook account, we need you to vote for our “Big Idea” January 15-22.

If you don’t have a Facebook account, we need you to start one – if only for a day or two.

Watch and forward our video and our Big Idea

Post our video and stories about Half the Sky on Facebook walls

Tweet the news

Become a fan of Chase Community Giving and

Vote January 15 – 22

When the vote starts on Friday, you’ll be hearing from me daily. It’s only a week.

And what a difference we can make if we win. Please tell your friends and your family and your co-workers and everybody you know who thinks all children deserve a chance. Tell the world.

A vote for Half the Sky is a vote for every forgotten child.

We can do it!!

with love and gratitude,

Jenny

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

I just found out this afternoon that today is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. I think anyone would agree that this is an issue that deserves our attention. So many times we are appalled by offenses such as human trafficking, but wonder how God can use our everyday lives to be a voice for the mostly women and children caught in the web of this crime. Below is an invitation from Jackie Herron, Compassion & Justice Director at Willow Creek North Shore. I urge you to be a part of this wonderful opportunity to learn more and get involved so that we can advocate on behalf of these vulnerable women & children. Here's Jackie's message:

I'm inviting you to be a part of a special opportunity WCNS has to host a screening of Call + Response- a documentary film on Human Trafficking. I have seen it twice and it is amazing. It is both a concert and film all in one. We are also hosting the director, Justin Dillon as well. It will be incredible!! He is an amazing example of someone who found their Holy Discontent!

Our goal is to educate (call) and help create action (response) to the issue of Human Trafficking today. We also see this Justice issue as an easy way to introduce those far from God to Him!

We'd love to pack out the auditorium on Thursday evening, March 4th at 7pm with individuals willing to do something (if just learn) about trafficking. The issue is really starting to get press and I think it will be an easy way to engage people.

The screening is free for any who come.

We will have 3 ministries that will provide concrete next steps for people:

1. Trade as One (Economics/Fair Trade)
2. Salvation Army's STOP IT (A Chicago response)
3. Warm Blankets Orphan Care International (helping provide rescue, support and housing for vulnerable children (Globally)
4. Of course, Call+Response will have their activities that they do (which are great).

They will each have a booth and also will be highlighted in our next run of classes that start the following week. Nathan George, Elyse Dahlberg and Craig Muller will each teach a week on the class entitled: After the Film for people that want to go deeper on the issues. see link for details: https://classes.willowcreek.org/default.aspxpage=3258&profile=1953&eventid=1953&pageid=3374&sort=Date&pprofile=4

I'd love for you to be involved in bringing this film to the North Shore - even if it is using your networks to expose people to the film. You WILL NOT be disappointed by having anyone you know attend. By getting people here God and the film will do the rest. :)

If you can make a short informational/vision casting meeting of the film with take away communication tools available to you to promote to friends, family, schools, businesses, etc. We'd love to have you attend. Meeting is 5:45-6:15pm Thursday, January 14th in room 101 at the North Shore campus.

Let me know if you can help!

Jackie

jherron@willowcreek.org

The Willow Creek North Shore Campus is located at:

Christian Heritage Academy

315 Waukegan Road

Northfield, IL 60093

Below is an invitation from Gary Haugan, President and CEO of International Justice Mission (IJM). I encourage you to prayerfully consider if God is calling you to be a part of this event. If so, please contact me so that a team can be formed.

Dina Ackermann
avoiceforhischildren@gmail.com

I would be delighted for you to join IJM at our Global Prayer Gathering, April 9 - 11, 2010 in the Washington, D.C. area. Together we will draw near to God in prayer and celebrate what he has done in the lives of those IJM has served. We will petition for the rescue of those who are still oppressed, and seek God's help for IJM's frontline workers.

Throughout the weekend, IJM’s international staff will share about recent casework victories for victims of violent oppression, as well as the joys and challenges of their field work. Lamont Hiebert - Ten Shekel Shirt and Sara Groves will lead us in worship.

We would be so grateful if you would join with us in celebration of God's presence and in prayer for God's power in 2010. As we have seen God work miracles after previous Prayer Gatherings, we know your prayers are vital to this work of justice.

To register online and for more information, please visit www.IJM.org/gpg.

I look forward to sharing in this powerful time of prayer, worship and fellowship with you.

Warmly,

Gary A. Haugen
President and CEO
International Justice Mission

Guatemala Adoptions Update

There has been a lot of activity and buzz on intercountry adoption in Guatemala over the past month. Virtually all of it was related to the announcement by the Guatemalan government of a pilot program for intercountry adoption. Much was written, blogged, tweeted and Facebooked about what is yet an ill-defined program with no transparent process and just as important, no timeline for implementation.

The Guatemalan government's announcement invited other governments to submit a letter of interest in participating in the pilot program. The U.S. Department of State, along with other Western governments, submitted a letter by the deadline in December. Many families, with hopes of providing a permanent home for a Guatemalan orphan, flooded Joint Council and other advocates seeking information and hoping for a positive reply.

For these families and more importantly, for those children living in Guatemalan orphanages, there is little hope.

Guatemala, having implemented the Hague Convention two years ago and having received considerable financial and technical assistance, remains out of compliance with the Hague Convention. As a result, the U.S. government, while hoping to participate in the pilot program, cannot approve any new Guatemalan adoptions nor issue a visa. If the pilot program was to begin tomorrow, no children would be adopted by a U.S. family.

For those children whose intercountry adoption was started over two years ago, before the 2008 Guatemalan Adoption Law took effect, most have found a permanent family. But many have not. They have been referred to a family, they have adoptive parents waiting and committed, but after two years of investigations, reviews and more investigations and reviews, they remain living outside of permanent parental care. They remain in foster care or in an institution. And they remain without a transparent process to finalize their adoption and to live in a family.

It is our understanding that despite universal claims of adoption corruption, the Guatemalan government, with one of the highest impunity rates and highest corruption rankings in the world, has yet to convict a single person of child trafficking. In 2007, UNICEF claimed that up to 80% of intercountry adoptions were corrupt. If true, that computes to over 3,200 claims of abuse, yet in 24 months not one adult is serving time in jail.

The disparities between the hundreds of children waiting over 26 months to finalize their adoption, the lack of child trafficking convictions, the non-compliance with the Hague Convention, the lack of progress in national adoption and family preservation and an announced intercountry adoption pilot program, calls into question how the best interest of children and families is being served.

The Guatemalan government's solution has not been to convict the guilty or to preserve families, but to subject innocent children to the proven detrimental affects of life outside a permanent family. With only seven government run orphanages, the vast majority of children live in private orphanages - many with depleting resources. The termination, rather than true reform, of intercountry adoption may have ended corruption and made for good PR, but it was not a solution in 2007 and it remains a travesty for thousands of children in 2010.

Despite the challenges, the lack of transparency and the suffering of children and families, many individuals, families, churches, organizations and governments remain committed to the children and families of Guatemala. Their efforts, along with Joint Council, continue to serve children and families in an ethical and legal fashion. We hope that the next Guatemala Update includes the fruits of those efforts...children living in families.

Source: Joint Council www.jointcouncil.org

Changes in Illinois Adoption Registry

Significant changes were made to the Illinois Adoption Registry on January 1, 2000 and January 1, 2006. These include the creation of a new Medical Information Exchange Program and expansion of eligible participants.

You may be interested in these changes if you are:

* an adopted or surrendered person age 21 or older.
* An adoptive parent of a minor child.
* A birth parent or birth sibling.
* A legal guardian of an adopted or surrendered person.
* A surviving brother or sister of a deceased birth parent.
* A surviving spouse or adult child of a deceased adopted/surrendered person.

Participation in the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange is voluntary. No identifying information is released without the express permission of all parties.

Additional information on the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange (including copies of all necessary forms) is available on the Illinois Dept. of Public Health's Web site at www.idph.state.il.us/vitalrecords/adoption_faq.htm>, by telephone at 877-323-5299 (toll-free in Illinois) or 217-557-5160, or by mail at the address listed below:

IL Dept. of Public Health
IL Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange
Division of Vital Records
605 W. Jefferson St.
Springfield, IL 62702-5097

Adoption Music

As you have found out by now, we've added music to our blog! I hope you'll enjoy these songs that wonderfully capture many of the emotions and realities that go along with adopting a child. Whether it is the agony of waiting for the day that your child will be in your arms, reflecting on God's miracles while taking this journey, or simply seeing the beauty of a child through God's eyes, these songs hold special meaning to anyone who has traveled this journey. I have also added songs that help us to be reminded about God's love for all His children. I encourage you to listen to these songs through the eyes of an orphaned or vulnerable child.

In the process of looking for songs, I came across a great web site called http://www.adoptivemusic.com/ that you may want to check out. "The Spirit of Adoption" is a collection of songs from artists whose lives have been touched by adoption. Included are Steven Curtis Chapman, Todd Agnew, Sandi Patty, Mark Schultz and others.

There are many other songs I hope to add to our blog soon. Please send me your suggestions.

Just Think......

I opened my new 2010 DaySpring calendar and found this simple and beautiful message written on the cardboard packaging. At first, it really encouraged and affirmed me in my ministry endeavors to orphaned and vulnerable children. As I read it a second and third time, I read it through the eyes of the very kids we seek to serve. Then I wondered about what power these words would have if they were spoken directly to these children. What Christian parent has not tried to relate these very sentiments to their kids? My prayer is that every child would know the truth of this poem. I pray that our efforts in 2010 would bring this truth to many children who don't know the love of God, and their worth in Him. I pray that our efforts would give each of us the opportunity to say these words to children who desperately need to hear them.

Just think,

you're here not by chance,

but by God's choosing.

His hand formed you

and made you

the person you are.

He compares you to no one else -

you are one of a kind.

You lack nothing

that His grace can't give you.

He has allowed you to be here

at this time in history

to fulfill His special purpose

for this generation.

http://www.dayspring.com/

Dina Ackermann