11.06.06 Voice of the Orphan Encourages Christians to Act

VOICE OF THE ORPHAN ENCOURAGES CHRISTIANS TO USE NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH AS A WAY TO CHANGE A CHILD’S ENTIRE LIFE

November is National Adoption Month—Voice of the Orphan Calls it the Right Time to Remind Christians and Churches that 143 Million Orphans are Waiting

Nov. 6, 2006—The United Nations has identified 143 million children around the world as orphans. So how can anyone make a difference when facing such a massive number? Voice of the Orphan believes the answer starts with one powerful word—FAITH—and that’s why it is challenging Christians and churches to take action now to help solve the orphan crisis.

Led by FamilyLife, Focus on the Family, and Shaohannah’s Hope, Voice of the Orphan is choosing National Adoption Month to launch a long-term, nationwide campaign to raise awareness and encourage the Christian community to reach out to the millions of orphans around the world who are waiting for help.

It doesn’t take a mega-church to make a big difference in the lives of struggling children needing homes. Few have come to realize that better than Rev. W.C. Martin, who pastors Bennett Chapel Baptist Church in Possum Trot, Texas—where 21 families at the church have now adopted 72 children out of foster care.

"God instructed them to do it. God said, 'Take care of widows and orphans.' I don't care how many babies are out there. God has got homes for those babies," said Martin. "But it’s more than just providing a roof. You have to demonstrate to the child family values and there are no family values without Godly values. A home without that foundation means nothing."

Voice of the Orphan wants to share this message with as many as 10 million people this month through a broadcasting blitz beginning Nov. 13. During the week, Focus on the Family and FamilyLife Today will work together, devoting each day of their popular radio broadcasts to help educate fellow Christians about the orphan crisis and spur them to action.

Shaohannah’s Hope, FamilyLife, and Focus on the Family have also launched VoiceoftheOrphan.org. Through this Web site, the ministries will share practical tips and offer resources to help people navigate through the adoption process, get their churches involved in caring for orphans, and better understand God’s heart on this issue.

MEDIA NOTE: For more information or to schedule interviews, contact Todd Shearer or Karen Dye at (770) 813-0000. Programming details for Voice of the Orphan week on FamilyLife Today and Focus on the Family radio broadcasts are available at VoiceoftheOrphan.org.