Adoption and Discipleship

I love this insight from Daniel Bennett, pastor of Bethany Community Church in Peoria, IL:

Waking to and acting upon God’s call to care for orphans really serves as a powerful agent of discipleship. As our church grows excited about orphan ministry, I see people understanding the character of God more. I feel that we are coming to grasp the love of God more deeply. I also see it growing our understanding of biblical love—that it involves real sacrifice; it gives like God does to those who have no way to pay you back. The impact spills out beyond the Church. People outside our church that you never would have expected are intrigued, asking questions, because they’re seeing the adoptions and care for the foster kids. It really gives the church a more powerful testimony to the community.

[HT: Orphan Alliance]