We are inundated with news everyday that is discouraging, even downright depressing. As
Christians we believe in our heads that God is Sovereign, that "light
shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John
1:5), that the gospel of Jesus redeems and transforms lives. But when
the news continues to bombard us, we sometimes forget. Testimonies of
God at work encourage our hearts and fuel our hope. This, the story of a
family at my church, is the first of many I hope to share of the
gospel on display. It is written by Mercy's dad.
*****
I’d like to tell you the story of a little girl. For reasons we may
never know, this little girl’s family wasn’t able to provide for all of
her needs. And in January of last year she was placed in an orphanage
in northern China. On that exact same day, half a world away, a family
whose hearts had been stirred by God to bring another child into their
family was officially accepted into China’s adoption program. Though
the child and family knew nothing about each other, God’s perfect plan
was already unfolding. Almost a year later, the first day that child’s
name appeared on China’s shared adoption list was also the first time
our family was eligible to be matched from that list – and the Lord’s
sovereign hand connected our paths for good. Though there was a huge
distance between us, and she still had no idea we existed, we loved her
and were willing to take on all of the obstacles in the way to bring her
into our family.
For those who don’t know our story – this is Mercy, and yes she is
Chinese, but she has a condition known as albinism. Her body does not
produce normal levels of pigment, so she has very pale skin and white
hair. As a father (and mother), we look at her picture and feel a love
in our hearts for her that is unexplainable, save that we are made in
the image and likeness of God. And this process has given us such fresh
insight into the heart of God for His children. Mercy’s story is also
my story (and your story.) My earthly family was not capable of
providing for all of my needs, but there was a heavenly father that
could. And though there was a huge gap between us, and I still had no
idea He existed, He loved me (and He loved you.) And He was willing to
take on all of the obstacles in the way to bring us into His family.
While we were still rejecting Him or ignoring Him or just otherwise
oblivious to Him, He paid a heavy price in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ
on the cross to open the door for us to be adopted into His glorious
kingdom.
Though it
was nothing like His sacrifice, we also had to pay a heavy price in time
and resources to allow our daughter to come home (which we are now on
the brink of accomplishing). But we have been blessed by tremendous
help from our family (and that’s all of you!) From the start of this
process we have been shown overwhelming support, and we wanted to take
this time to deeply thank you all. Our spaghetti dinner (believe it or
not) was a year ago yesterday. And it humbles me to this day to
remember the willingness and eagerness that so many of you showed to
give of your time and energy as well as financially. So much food and
so many auction items donated; so many hands volunteered to do the work
of setting up and cooking and serving and cleaning up; such a blessing
to our souls to feel the unconditional support of our church family!
And that was just the beginning. In the weeks and months that have
passed since then we are constantly asked “How are things going?”, “What
can I do to help?”, “Here’s something I thought you could use?”, and
“What specifically can I pray about for you?”
And let me tell you we have felt those prayers all along the journey.
God has provided consistently, “exceedingly abundantly more than we can
ask or imagine”. Making sure we had all of the funds we needed exactly
when we needed them. Connecting us with complete strangers who had
kids with similar conditions as Mercy to encourage us when our spirits
were low. Having a couple of seats open up on the “fully booked” flight
we wanted appear just as we called to make a reservation. But most of
all – providing a supernatural sense of peace about bringing Mercy into
our home – even in the face of doubts and fears. I don’t want to paint
an unfair picture – those doubts and fears still do come. Like
countless others before us, no matter how many times God provides, we
still question “But what about this?”, “Can I really trust you to
provide that?” But God has been faithful to bring us peace in our
hearts when we remember to focus on Him. And thanks to so many of you
who have helped us to get our focus back on Him when we needed it most.
Adoption is not easy (and we’re just getting started!) There are so
many of you here that have gone before us, and have so much more to tell
than we do. And we have benefited greatly from your friendship and
experience and wise council – thank you so much for your time and
patience, sharing your journey with us and illuminating God’s work in
the lives of your families. We look forward to being able to do the
same someday, and share our stories of God’s grace to those who take
this journey next. Let me encourage those who may be hearing the call
of James “to care for orphans” in your lives, but are filled with fear
or feelings of inadequacy – we have those feelings too, but we are not
in this alone! When I first thought about putting Mercy’s picture up on
the screen – the thought struck me that I don’t even need to! Because
most of you already look at her picture every day. She’s hanging on
refrigerators and bulletin boards, in picture frames and on computer
desktops all around this region. The world looks at her and sees a poor
little orphan girl without a family – but the reality is she has a huge
family! A family that is anxiously waiting with open arms to gather
her in. Eagerly anticipating her arrival to shower unconditional love
upon her. And at the front of the line is Jesus Christ himself who
longs for her to know Him, and trust Him, and love Him as He loves her.
Our ultimate prayer is not that Mercy will have a better life, or have
her medical needs met more effectively, or bring joy to our home –
though we do hope for all those things. Our deepest prayer is that she
would know Jesus and receive His salvation from sin. And we are so glad
to have all of you, as her extended family to help her to find Him.
Isaiah 43
1 But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I give Egypt as your ransom,
Cush and Seba in exchange for you.
4 Because you are precious in my eyes,
and honored, and I love you,
I give men in return for you,
peoples in exchange for your life.
5 Fear not, for I am with you;
I will bring your offspring from the east,
and from the west I will gather you.
6 I will say to the north, Give up,
and to the south, Do not withhold;
bring my sons from afar
and my daughters from the end of the earth,
7 everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made.”
We leave for China this Friday. If all goes according to plan, Mercy
will be in our arms on Mother’s Day – what a gift, right?
Thanks for being such good stewards of God’s grace. Thanks for
supporting us, encouraging us, and lifting us up in prayer. Thanks for
opening your hearts to our Mercy, just as you have to Michaela, Matthew,
and Mason and for sharing your walks of faith with them. We couldn’t
do this without you.
Thank you!
