To the Adoption Community

I was broken this morning when I heard the news about the death of Maria Chapman. Maria is the youngest adopted daughter of Christian singer/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman. I cannot begin to grasp the grief this family is experiencing. The Chapmans have done so much to raise awareness for international adoption. Maria was the youngest of three girls the Chapmans adopted from China. I am comforted to know that God has numbered each of our days and even this seemingly tragic turn of events is part of God's sovereign plan. Maria's brief life was not in vain. She fulfilled the purpose God had intended for her.

When I got home from school, there was a package waiting for me. Inside was the new edition of Tom Davis' book Fields of the Fatherless. I read the first edition two years ago and it has profoundly shaped my understanding of mercy ministry. Opening the cover, I was touched to find that Tom had sent me a signed copy. I re-read the foreword by Steven Curtis Chapman and was reminded what a immense effect orphan ministry has on the world around us.

Robert and I have just completed the first in a series on adoption that we've been asked to write for The Progress, our church's magazine. As we reflect on the journey we've taken to find and claim Kristina as our own, God has brought to mind what an important role the adoption community has played in our experience. We found wisdom, direction, prayer, and strength in the words and efforts of hundreds of people united to practice mercy ministry on the behalf of one little girl. Let us unite again to seek God. Pray that God will comfort the Chapman family with His presence and surround them with believers who will lighten this burden for them. And continue to pray for the millions of Marias still waiting for families.


A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows,
Is God in His holy habitation.
God sets the solitary in families;
He brings out those who are bound into prosperity.
-Psalm 68:5-6