Foster Care & Myths: #5 - Foster Parents Have Very Few Support Systems.

Over the past several weeks I plan to do a series of articles and videos on the subject of foster care and myths. The series of short articles explore some of the various impressions and perspectives people have about foster care that are not accurate. My hope is to provide better information around the truth surrounding foster care.

This particular myth is one that concerns many foster parents. As foster parents are trained they also learned how to develop support systems which lead to more successful outcomes. While it is true that many foster parents are like lone rangers who tend to be very self-sufficient but aren’t always taking advantage of the services and support that is available. Today I want to address those opportunities and while I call this a myth, in actuality it is like an undiscovered frontier.

The number one myth that we need to talk about is that foster parents do not have to do this alone. We might even say that foster parents are very rare commodity but many times they believe that this is a journey that they take upon themselves alone. Foster parents can in must develop a system of support which will enable them to be more intentional and feel more supported in their efforts.


For foster parents they believe that the training is they’re only support but many private organizations, especially one like White’s Residential and Family Services (White’s RFS) out of Indiana provides a empowering ministry for foster parents.

As a church – based organization, White’s RFS  teachers their foster parents to develop systems of support. For example, their own church can be very helpful in providing much-needed resources and even Christmas gifts for children in their care. Not only can their church be a support base emotionally and spiritually, they could also create a community of support that includes respite workers, childcare, prayer support, & other services.

It should also be noted that many private organizations can do more than what the state can provide because they have a network of donors and others that can assist. Organizations like White’s RFS include the following.

24/7 support. In the event that there is a concern or special need, all of our families know that they can call the hotline to receive advice, prayer, and helpful information.

Support groups and develop caring communities. Private agencies are always developing communities in networks that enhance the support of foster care services. Or example, White’s RSF Works with a network of churches where they will host events as well as collect gifts & resources for foster home families and their network.

Intentional prayer. One of the best ways that we can help foster parents is not only emotionally but also spiritually engage with them. Private organizations, especially those that are Christ – centered will provide opportunities to pray and listen to the needs a foster parents. They are able to offer or unique perspective as well as bring any emotional support when families need it most.

Caring networks go beyond simple community resources. Private organizations have the unique ability to bring together a volunteer and community level of support that empowers foster parents further develop their network of support.

As you can see, the ministry of foster care comes with many benefits because of the network of support and services that private organizations can bring.

MYTH #6 Click Here. 

Foster Care & Myths: #4 - State-mandated Placement.

Over the past several weeks I plan to do a series of articles and videos on the subject of foster care and myths. The series of short articles explore some of the various impressions and perspectives people have about foster care that are not accurate. My hope is to provide better information around the truth surrounding foster care.

This myth may actually surprise you. While it is true, the state who manages the needs of children that become wards of the state also manage the foster care placements yet they do not mandate that every foster home take every child needing placed. The foster care system uses and manages homes on a voluntary basis. While there is a daily reimbursement for the care of children and youth, foster parents can choose who and when they receive children. Let me explain.

We could look at a foster parent as a private contractor with the state. Sometimes through a private agency but nevertheless ultimately work for the state and efforts are made to follow a plan that a judge ultimately agrees to. We must note that the judge is the final authority Yet it is clearly recognize that as a private contractor there voice as well as their support system linens toward a healthy outcome and final resolve to bringing hope and treatment for a child or teen in their care.

Foster parents are the front line in the day-to-day operations and management of their household. Agencies and other professionals work together to bring about a healthy disposition of the foster care plan.

There are factors that contribute to the placement and management of a child or youth into foster care.

1. Foster Parents, while remaining committed to the care of children can choose when and who they receive.

It bears repeating, Foster Parents are in control as to who they choose to foster. For many agencies foster parents can identify the age or other demographic factors that fit their own children and home. If parents choose to only take pre-adoptive placement, and agency will work with them or if they should choose a younger versus older child they can also expressed that desire.
Often there are very complex and overwhelming needs that even the most experienced case manager is at a loss as to what expect. However, working together and setting healthy boundaries as well as sharing the responsibilities is vital.

2. Foster Parents have options in-spite the enormous expectations.

It takes an awful lot for foster parents to adjust schedules and needs of their own family. But we find most often does the parents are fairly self-sufficient and resourceful, often building their own network of support including those that could provide respite services or other childcare needs.

3. Foster Parents have rights as they work with agencies and state case managers.

Many states have adopted a certain set of rights for foster parents. In Indiana, as an example foster parents know can speak into the courts and the individual education goals because they know the children better than anyone else. The input of a foster parent is vital to the successful plan, even the reunification efforts.

4. Foster Parents follow guidelines yet there are liberties that encourage growth and learning for parents and foster children.

Agencies as well as the state often develop guidelines that provide flexibility and resources to help families grow and develop. It’s important to note that many foster parents are required to have continued education to maintain their license with the state yet there are many resources available as well as support groups for families.

It’s important to note that even though the needs of the child is paramount in that foster parents ultimately do work together as part of a reunification plan, foster parents do contribute to the success of any plan. Foster parents determine ultimately the success as long as they remain flexible and willing to learn.

MYTH #5 Click Here.

What’s In A Name?

In the day and age we live we have many ways to discover our ancestry. Many are curious of the genealogy and so they do research to find out where they came from. People will spend a lot of money to sign up for these types of database computer searches. While others simply take the DNA test to discover their ancestry.

It’s a curious thing that no matter who we are we all long to be connected to some kind of history as if it will define our own existence making our lives more meaningful. I too am one of those curious people who love to study the history and make up of not only my Dutch and English family heritage but also my wife’s Native American heritage. Perhaps it’s a quest to discover more about ourselves that it is the history of where we came from?

Go into any souvenir shop and you can find your name and it’s meaning on all kinds of merchandise from coffee cups to engraved wall signage. With the way in which we creatively spell our own names it becomes more more difficult. Nevertheless we make every effort search for the meaning of our own name.

In school I was asked whether my name, Rick was short for Richard. I often thought to myself that it would be nice to have such a formal name. One day in my own personal quest to discover the meaning of my name I asked my parents how and who I was named after. To my surprise they told me in a rather cryptic way; as someone that they knew from long ago. Upon further Investigation I discovered that there was a man in the neighborhood who went by the name Rick. He was the community drunk who is seldom sober.

Attempting to find a more substantial meaning to my name sake I started investigating the reason why my middle name is Edward. As a child the cigar brand that was popular that many in my extended family would smoke was the king Edward brand of cigars. You may not remember them but for the longest time I was certain that that is where my name came from. It made sense seeing that my first name derived from a rather negative meaning. To my relief, as I recall growing up I eventually learned that I was named after my grandfather whom I looked up to and wanted to emulate.

What is in our names? What is the meaning of our names? Too often I think we look for definitions that later define our existence or the meaning of our lives. Not often enough to we look to the identity that we have in Christ and settle for something that is less than our true identity. We might even identify ourselves according to our habits or are interests. We may identify ourselves with a particular group of people. In high school I often wanted to be a member of one of the more popular groups. Somehow I thought that if I was in that popular group I would have a better identity.

Ultimately I learned that the name that I go by is not necessarily the only thing that identifies me. As I grew in my relationship with Christ I came to understand that the identity I could have was in my Christian heritage. I came to identify myself in the name of Jesus Christ and therefore emulating His meaning and His purpose in my life. I discovered that it wasn’t fulfilling just to use earthly expressions or follow certain groups to find out who I was and who I am. Rather, it’s more important that I identify with an everlasting God who created me. I discovered that it wasn’t fulfilling just to use earthly expressions or follow certain groups to find out who I am.

As we become new in Christ our identity is clearly aligned with His will and plan for our future. My name has significance because, after all it is MY name. However, God has given us His name and we are His heir to His Kingdom which is far more significant and eternal.

Read more on this subject.

It Is Time to Bring Adoption (Back) Into Every Church!

For years I have heard of the importance of being part of the family of God. Growing up in a strong family environment of the local church helped me realize the importance of the Christian family. Even though I grew up in a large family, eight children, I didn’t always understand the importance of family, at least as part of the family of God.

In my early years I used to hear lessons from the Church encouraging us to witness to others. We often would talk about becoming adopted into God‘s family. I’ve heard the phrase many times, "God has no orphans." This was very reassuring for me even though I was not adopted or in foster care. The symbolism held a high importance for me because it help me to understand what it meant to be part of the family of God.

Over time, as I grew up and went to college the phrase and importance to talk about adoption into God’s Family seem to disappear from our vocabulary. In spiritual terms we started talking becoming a Christian by choosing Him as Savior. We would even teach that salvation in Christ was followed by discipleship. There were new terms that were introduced like being "born again." Theology rightfully identified the importance of being justified through Christ because of what His sacrifice means in the Christian faith. The terms may have even been biblical but not as much emphasis was placed on family. How many of you remember calling each other in the church brother and sister?

More recently however, I have begun to incorporate this all important theology of being "adopted" into God’s family as a clearer understanding of salvation. Having been both a foster parent and now recruiting people for foster care, perhaps my realization has been heightened. I talk more and more these days about orphan ministries and foster care. With over a half million children currently in foster care or waiting for adoption, there is never been a more alarming statistic than what we are facing today in America alone.

I wonder if we are missing out and maybe not fully understanding what the Scripture has to say about being adopted into God’s family. I wonder if perhaps our world is longing for a place to belong so much so that they are feeling like orphans, separated from God‘s presence and the church.

The following are a few scriptures that reference the theology of being adopted and even illustrate the importance of being connected into God‘s family. We can think of so many biblical examples of those that were outside of His family but then being able to join into the church family.
Read 10 biblical verses that talk about adoption.

We know well the story of Moses who was adopted and saved from death so he could save God’s people from Egypt. (Exodus 1:15-22)

There is Rahab who was able to be adopted (so to speak) into the lineage of Jesus because of her willingness to hide the spies. (Joshua 2:1-24)

There is the story of Esther who was raised by her uncle Mordecai because her parents died and who later becoming the queen, saving God’s people from certain death. (Esther)
Most certainly is the story of Jesus who was born of a virgin Mary and adopted by an earthly father named Joseph. (Matthew 1:18)

We read over and over about spiritual adoption that we all can experience as recorded by Paul.  As Romans 8:15 so beautifully states, "The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’"

Read about more scriptures from following article: Adoption Stories.
This is a key reminder that not only are we all orphaned and separated from God but it drives home the reality of hundreds of thousands of children and youth who are orphaned and in foster care every day. God has compassion on us as Orphans and the church should have compassion on those, who of no fault of their own, are in foster care and needing adopted into our families today!

Could it be that we’re missing out when we talk about evangelism but fail to talk about how God adopt us as members of his family? For me, I want to make sure people understand that the price of that adoption was on His death and resurrection. We are accepted and even adopted as children of God when we receive, freely this gift of eternal life!

It is time to bring adoption back into the church!

Francis Chan makes the assertion that if one out of every other church were to invest in caring for the Orphan we could eliminate (foster care & adoption) the need nationally!

Foster Care & Myths: #3 - Getting Rich!

Over the next several weeks I plan to do a series of articles and videos on the subject of foster care and myths. The series of short articles explore some of the various impressions and perspectives people have about foster care that are not accurate. My hope is to provide better information around the truth surrounding foster care.

I was on the radio with a colleague doing a live interview show when an interesting question was posed by the announcer, "Is it true that foster parents do it because of the free labor they receive and they are motivated by getting rich?" Quickly I turned my colleague, more experienced, for him to field that one.

You can imagine that if it was television our faces would have the look of shock and disbelief. The assumption is that foster parents do foster care so they can get free laborers to clean their house and mow their lawn’s.

Perhaps it’s a by-gone era when farming families put orphaned children to work but, that was 100 years ago! Systems of care have changed since those years. Similarly, it is hard to believe that anyone would believe that foster parents would get rich doing foster care. Yet, this myth seems to surface as a criticism to foster care. Nothing could be farther from the truth and reality. Even if it could happen it would be rare because there are many people in and out of their homes as well as extensive training to say the least.

This one is marked as a myth. Foster parents do not bring children into their homes as free labor nor do they get rich providing care. The daily Per Diem rates in Indiana range from $20 a day through $60 a day which is hardly a "get rich quick" scheme. Even at the highest level of pay these are therapeutic homes which means that the level of need and trauma is substantial and the Foster Parent or Kinship-Care guardian role is too busy caring for the needs of these children that one would suppose that there are easier ways to get rich.

The greatest majority of foster parents get involved because it is a calling and a sacred duty. Most will tell you that they provide foster care because of their love for children and youth in a sincere desire to make a difference.

The reimbursement stipend of the state to a foster parent is not enough to care for every need of a foster child. Most foster homes dip into their personal savings to provide for things that are not reimbursed by the state including Christmas gifts, new clothing, birthday gifts, and membership to family – oriented organizations such as the YMCA or Zoo passes.

This is where the community and others from organizations like the local church or clubs can get involved. Helping bring clothing and Christmas gifts along with zoo passes and tickets to special events make the experience for foster homes as well as foster children unforgettable and positive.
Many are surprised to learn that even in the placement of a child in a foster home the needs are tremendous.

Many children only arrive in a foster home with a plastic bag of their belongings including dirty laundry and comfort toys. It is truly a blessing for foster family to have items ready that are often not reimbursed by the state. Many groups collect backpacks filled with age-appropriate items including blankets and comfort toys.

Partnering with Foster Care groups is vital in meeting needs of children & youth in foster care. Consider partnering with White’s Residential & Family Services as one of many organizations that serve families. Check out more details at FosterLoveNow.com.

MYTH #4 Click Here.

Foster Care & Myths: #2 - Someone Else Will Step Up.

Over the next several weeks I intend to write about the various myths associated with foster care. It’s never a surprise to me to learn what people think about related to foster care. There’s likely plenty of opinions out there on a variety of issues but I narrowed with my upcoming myths on just a few.

I speak to groups all the time. Last year I attended as many as 45 Sunday church services to talk about foster care. I have met hundreds of people as I get directed at the churches and in the communities. A popular notion that people have is the idea that someone will step up so they don’t have to. Curiously this idea is often coupled with the belief that people have that they do not possess the skill to do foster care, even though they have raised their own children and maybe even grandchildren.

I’m certain that people are not trying to make an excuse for them selves and circumstances in their own home are good excuses for why people should not do foster care yet, these assumptions are myths.

I don’t want to give off the wrong impression. Doing foster care is hard work. There’s a variety of concerns and issues that are valid because of the hardships associated with foster care. Yet, I believe what people are often saying is that they believe there are enough foster parents out there that they need that consider doing at themselves.

In reality, at least in the state of Indiana, there are not enough homes for the number of children being referred by the state and in need of a foster home. Caseworker’s often make multiple calls to various groups and agencies in hopes to identify a home with in the county where the child is from. In Indiana there are 15,000 children in out-of-home placement. The state managers the caseloads of children in need of service and depend heavily on County foster homes as well as private placement agencies. Yet, even among the many that there are, there is still a shortage of homes. This results in children having to wait in offices or placed an emergency shelter facilities until a home becomes available. Even the number of children who are eligible for adoption is significant.

I will often say in the many presentations that I make that no matter the number of agencies that are recruiting, we are not in competition with each other because the need is beyond all of us.
Dr. John DeGarmo is a foremost expert in foster care and does presentations nationally. His latest article points out the significant need for more homes. Dr. John DeGarmo, Foster Care. | Check out his latest book - Church and Foster Care.

Latest trends nationally have identified that children are often being placed several counties away from their homes which means the reunification plans or casework providers must travel hours for court hearings and family visitation. There simply is not enough homes available.

While it is indeed helpful to have support systems for foster parents, ultimately we need more homes as well.

MYTH #3 Click Here. 

What the Bible Does Not Say.

Today I take a bit of a risk to offer my thoughts out-loud. I grew up in the church and have served in pastoral ministry for many years. I have been taught that the Bible speaks about every issue or life’s circumstances. Today I want to consider what the Bible does not say.

Before you kick me out of the church for even daring to suggest that the Bible is somehow incomplete, I want to assure you that I fully believe that the Bible is God’s Word and is complete, without error. I fully embrace the belief that it is sharper than any two-edge sword and can penetrate into the very soul of mankind. God’s Word is God speaking to us through men and women, through illustration and fact, through wisdom and Truth.

I have read through the Scriptures and have made careful study of a wide range of topics. I am preached from its pages and have sought through quiet meditation and devotion the Truth through a very personal encounter with God and His Word.

Yet, today’s thought is considering for just a moment what the Bible me not speak about. In fact, God’s Word may have never intended to speak about everything, directly. I believe this to be deliberate and not by accident. I hope that you don’t consider my comments heresy.

Do I have your attention? I hope so because often people miss this idea. Perhaps we can’t clearly understand what the Bible does not say because there are so many tools and resources that speak about every topic or condition known to mankind. We have the Bible translated in many different ways and languages. We have Bible helps and books that expand our understanding of the scripture. We have commentaries and topics indexed so that we could easily find a wide range of information and even a list of the promises God has made to us. There are those who have studied God’s prophecies and helps us to understand what the meaning of the prophets were and of what is yet to come.

So, dare I approach the subject of what the Bible does not say? Should I be this audacious and even risk being perceived to be rude as I write this thought out loud?

Nevertheless, here I go. I have often wondered and thought, what does the Bible not say?
We are instructed to pray for God‘s specific Will. We are encouraged to memorize the Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6 and even gain a deeper understanding of the prayer that Jesus prayed for His disciples and for us in John 17. We are told that as we pray against God’s Will that we are praying demonic elements in our prayer. We are encouraged to pray and seek God in all things. Yet, The Bible does not speak about everything as we are taught that it does.

When I was young I was told that God has a plan for my life. As I memorized scripture I found principles that guided me and even promised me that I would know His Will for my life. Scriptures that became very familiar to me helped me feel confident that I will know His Will. Passages like, Jeremiah 29:11, Proverbs 3:5-6, and Romans 8:28.

What the Bible does not say ...

... is His specific Will for our lives.

Certainly it tells me about his plan of salvation for me. It tells me the many promises that guide my life and give me hope. The Bible tells me how to walk in faith and develop spiritually yet, it does not say what His specific Will is for our lives. You may say to yourself, of course it doesn’t! You may even think that I’m a bit naïve in my assumption that it does. You may even say to yourself that I am foolish by not understanding the scripture.

Maybe this was my journey and not yours but I wrestled with this idea for many years. At times the Bible even jumps off the pages for me, but knowing His Will was a mystery. I don’t go around thinking that I am not in His Will by any measure but the journey of discovering His Will for my life is ever present even today.

Without going into much detail of my journey let me simply say that I pray for His Will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. I pray for lost souls who have not found peace or hope because clearly the Bible offers both through salvation. That which I do know of what the Lord promises I do pray. That which I have a understanding and God‘s plan, I do pray for others. I even offer a bit of a prophetic voice for those who have no relationship with God through Christ as I do pray for them. I begin my prayers with a clear understanding of who God is as Lord and His full majesty.

To find that specific Calling and His Will for my life is a journey. It is a walk that I take, hand-in-hand with God through Jesus Christ. It is not as clear as leaping through scripture with my eyes closed and landing my finger on a specific verse. I don’t test God By saying, "If you show me your Will in this one area of my, life, I will follow." It isn’t as easy as that!

 To discover His Will for my life is a journey. 

To discover His Will for my life takes great faith.

To discover His Will for my life requires humility.

Never-the-less, once His specific Will for my life is discovered, it opens the door for every kind of help while discovering Spiritual Gifts. It gives us His peace that passes all understanding as well as other elements of the Fruit if the Spirit. It will unfold for us all His promises as we know more clearly His Will for our lives.

The Bible tells us that we must first seek Him, as searching for gold or silver. We then can know our purpose and His Will for our lives!

Love One Another, Despite Our Differences!

Let’s have a conversation. How different are we? We are all so different. Different by race, background, experiences, education, economic status, social status, political position, and even religion.

Like us, the twelve disciples were very different; some were fishermen, others were businessmen, even one was a tax collector, as well as one was a physician, as well as a thief, yet even another was an activist. Similarly, each of these men could be categorized like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. They all were uniquely very different.

As you read this article and realize that we all have differences we come to understand why so many of us cluster and create cliques; creating close friendships with those who have similarities.

It is easy to like people who are like me. Yet, it is much more difficult to love people who are different. We allow our differences to separate us! I am often curious and have to ask the question, why can’t we disagree, agreeably?

The Word of God & our National Day of Prayer (NDP) theme gives focus to "Love One Another." "A new covenant I give you," says Jesus, "to Love One Another." I add, despite our differences.

John 13:34 - "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other."

While we can find unity in our understanding of God’s love and loving one another, this passage is NOT about unity. It is about loving each other no matter how different we may be.
The disciples were very different people, each possessing a different motivation for why they responded to Jesus. Each of them were perhaps drawn to His calling to be a disciple for different reason. There’s not time to break it down except to say that they were called to a different way of thinking. The concept and command was to love one another as he loved them, no matter their differences!

I wonder what would happen if we could demonstrate that kind of love for "one another" as well as to "the others" that live in our community?

I have the opportunity through White’s Residential & Family Services to wake up each morning and spend my day in a different community throughout Indiana. I meet all kinds of people and I have been in many different churches. Last year I was in 45 different churches for worship. Despite what you may thing, it wasn’t because I couldn’t get along with anyone, it was because of my ministry. Believe me, I have seen all kinds of church settings, met many different people, experienced a wide variety of people.

We are very different people yet even as part the body of Christ, we too have various differences. We know that we are the church Universal in our Christian faith yet each of us represent a different part of that body. Jesus is the head of course yet we function with various gifts and abilities.

This year’s NDP theme takes from the scripture calling us to love one another. Yet, though the disciples were very different and often argued over who would be the greatest, Christ instructed them in his departing that they are to love one another.

As we do a better job of loving one another, the world will see us in a different light. They won’t see siblings whining and complaining but they will see a family who cares even for their neighbor.

Another passage in Hebrews puts a remarkable context to the meaning of loving one another through the incredible sacrifice of our Lord. Therefore, we are encouraged to find ways that demonstrate love and good works.

Hebrews 10:24 -- "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works."

One tactic that I have discovered brings meaning of life to people. I love to invite people to prayer, like waitresses and those of the service industry. I believe that God calls us to love the lost and forgotten segment of our population; those that are right in front of us every day!  They are the least among us and often those who are Invisible to us.

I’ve make every effort and often go out of my way to ask waitresses and others how I could pray for them. I try to find ways to build a positive context of the relationship through humor as my way to accomplish this; some might even say I tell bad jokes.

Jokes like, why didn’t the invisible man take the job he was offered? He couldn’t see himself there. Or, what did one cannibal say to the other cannibal after they eat a clown? Did that taste funny?

Ultimately it is about helping people encounter the gospel of Jesus Christ in a way that demonstrates his love for them. This theme is not just a reminder for us as believers but a reminder that as a nation we need to love as Jesus did for the least in the lost who are so obvious in our community.

Consider the following.

I should not be too great that I cannot serve others.
I should not be too rich that I could not help the needy.
I should not be so comfortable that I would not be inconvenienced for the sake of another.
I should not be too busy to stop and listen.
I should not be so pious and religious that I do not discover the true meaning of religion for the orphan and widow.

R.C. Sproul; "Men are never duly touched and impressed with a conviction of their insignificance, until they have contrasted themselves with the majesty of God."

Remember;

On this National Day of Prayer may we mourn for a nation who’s sin is generational & should I dare I say it, includes my sin.
On this National Day of Prayer may we humble ourselves to serve the least & the lost and should I dare say it, set aside our own wants & needs.
On this National Day of Prayer may we pray for those in leadership and authority – and should I dare say, even those whom we may have disagreements with.
On this National Day of Prayer are we willing to humble ourselves and seek His face?

Foster Care & Myths: #1 - Kids Are In Care Because They Are Bad Kids.

Over the next several weeks I plan to do a series of articles and videos on the subject of foster care and myths. The series of short articles explore some of the various impressions and perspectives people have about foster care that are not accurate. My hope is to provide better information around the truth surrounding foster care. One expert that I reference is Dr. John DeGarmo. His further information on this subject can be found on his website and article on the 8-Myths of Foster Parenting.

Jumping right into this series, I want to hit the first topic regarding one of the most significant myths around foster care. I’ve heard many times that people believe that children are in foster care because they are bad kids. This is a myth.

Headlines do not help us especially when it comes to foster care. Many headlines are written because it is a topic of controversy and sensational headlines sell papers. Case and point, often there are assumptions but just because a child acts out badly it is not the result of being in foster care or the fault of foster parents. This could not be farthest from the truth.

Just because there are cases, though isolated, that children in foster care or headline stories of bad things that happen, this does not prove the assumption that bad kids are in foster care. Case-in-point was a mid-2000 report that discovered through the Justice Department that 70% of those in human trafficking have been in foster care. What makes this headline startling is that kids who age out of foster care may turn to sex trafficking or become victims of abuse later in life. We cannot draw the assumption that foster care is contributing badly to human trafficking but we can get an understanding that they are vulnerable to become victims because of the lack of support as a contributing factor.

The truth is that the majority of children and teens that are in foster care are removed from their natural parent or guardian home at no fault of their own. It is because of neglect and abuse of a parents or drug use in the home that state agencies are forced to step in to intervene on behalf of children and youth. Furthermore, children who have been in traumatic situations do not have the coping skills to deal with such "normal" family systems and circumstances.

Many articles substantiate the truth of the victimization of children who often are placed outside the home and a foster home, group home, or shelter facility. Consider the following article: AAP News Gateway: Developmental Issues for Young Children in Foster Care.

Often it is teenagers that share the biggest blame of the stereotype. Many people doing foster care prefer not to take teens because of the fear that they may themselves abuse others. Children in foster care who are teenagers are disproportionately stereotype but this is not accurate. Many teenagers are well-adjusted and responsible young people and are simply looking for permanence and structure in their lives.

Foster homes are a place of refuge for children and youth who have been abused. Foster parents often carry the heavy load of medical needs, psychological needs, and physical needs due to a negative experience in the home of their parent / guardian. Of course children act out and deal with the difficulties associated with their abuse or neglect but they are indeed victims. Yet, it is foster care, through services that begin the healing process for children and youth.

MYTH #2 Click Here. 

Evangelism: Five Simple Acts We ALL Can Do!

If you have ever shared your faith or just invited someone to church you know that it’s not an easy task. I’ve been there as well. I’ve gone to special classes and have been challenged by sermons and motivational speakers. I have listened to my pastor express the importance of sharing my faith.

Many use passive-aggressive tactics to let someone know that they are a Christian.

You’re sitting at a restaurant and just as you get up to leave you Place on your table what appears to be a $50 bill. You think to yourself, "There I’ve done that, the Bible track will make a difference." What you left behind was a biblical track that appeared to be $50 but when you open it the message reads, "Your soul is worth far more."

What you and I often do is think that if you leave subtle clues that somebody will come to Christ and you can justify your actions. The truth is, passive-aggressive actions don’t work. Leaving a Bible track alone is not the way we fulfill the great commission.

Often we feel as if we are not doing enough.

Another tendency that we all may do this feel compelled that we should do something more than just share our faith. Of course should you actually share your faith any action would be positive and fulfilling. The truth is, often we use methods that are clear about our motivation for our action.

So you give a few bucks to someone in an act of charity. Of course that person is grateful because the need is greater. Yet, all they know at this point is that you are a nice person, generous, and you did a nice act of kindness. 

Without clearly identifying your motivation, this is just an act that makes you feel better.

Much of what motivates us to share our faith is guilt.

This leads me to talk about the third point I want to share. We are motivated to act but we Respond and guilt. We know what the Bible tells us to, "go" and share our faith and we’ve heard sermons that compel us. Yet, or motivation is one of guilt and self righteousness.

Hold up your hand. Count your fingers. There are five ways we can share about Christ that makes a difference. I want to share with you that we can all fulfill the great commission through developing a relationship with another person as well as clearly demonstrating that our motivation is love.

A. Pray. -- God hears us & answers prayer!

We know that every good and perfect gift is from God. We know that our faith compels us to believe that as we pray, God hears our prayers. This is the first act of evangelism. We plead on behalf of others for God to save and redeem those that we interact with.

This first finger that we may use to count is our pointing finger. This is the finger often pointed at others when it should be pointed to God.  We can demonstrate our faith and thus our belief to a non-believer by simply asking them, "How can I pray for you today?"

Prayer is at the very beginning of a relationship because it is neither compelled by guilt nor motivated by self righteousness. It is often judgment the people here but in a genuine concern in prayer we point to God and ask of Him. It is demonstrated out of love. It is not passive-aggressive because we are entering into a spiritual context of our relationship with another person. If we demonstrate true humility as we ask for the opportunity to pray for someone, we bring someone into the encounter of the living God.

I have had no one ever turned me down when I simply ask, "How may I pray for you." Often I pray while they are with me and it’s clear that it is a ministry to their spirit. Often people have cried because of the wearysome burdens that they carry with them.

B. Share His Word. -- God’s Word NEVER returns void!

Certainly you can share the gospel through the word of God with somebody that you have just met. Often we get the idea that we need to gain trust or a relationship so that we could speak about biblical matters. The truth is that there is often a cop-out in a way to delay the work of God’s word and the life of another.

Somehow we believe that God‘s word is not enough or that we need to put it in some context but in reality if we share God‘s plan and God‘s promise it will not be done in vain. I believe God’s word never returns void. Perhaps it’s an issue of faith for us to believe that God‘s truth needs us to interpret but in reality we need to get out of the way.

I’ve heard people tell me, and try to convince me that they have to spend weeks and even months getting to know someone before telling them the good news. This is a trap. This is the belief that you are more important than God‘s word. It’s a believe that you are more powerful than the Holy Spirit. It’s a false teaching that says that someone may reject you and consequently reject God. Put aside your ego!

Memorize a plan or several scriptures that have been most meaningful to you. One of the scriptures that has been my life verse is out of the book of Philippians. It tells me every day that, "He (God) who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…" I will often use God‘s promises that have brought me hope and healing. I have often spoken of in scripture that is helped me during a difficult decision or a stressful moment. The bottom line is that I am weaving my testimony in to my remembrance of scripture and God‘s Word never fails.

With our second finger we can count. Holding up two fingers often represents peace. The Word of God is disarming and should bring peace.

C. Testimony. -- Telling my story in an elevator speech.

This brings me to the next way of evangelism. Sharing your story of what God is doing in you will make a difference. It is taking time to tell how God has helped you. It is taking time to share about a time when your needed God’s help and He was there for you. Whatever the story line, God will use it to help others see and hear the impact of God at work in you.

People need to see how God is working and your story adds to these messages that the Holy Spirit will use to change lives. People have a longing to know the work of God. They will likely make immediate application to their lives. Keeping the story of hope alive is demonstrated through your story.

Stay within a short "elevator speech" time-frame. People don’t need your political views. People don’t care how you voted in the last election. People don’t need your story to begin with, "When I was a child...." The elevator speech is a message or short testimony that is a 30-second statement about how your found peace in Christ. You may want to practice by writing it out and committing it to memory. The elevator speech is a discipline that keeps you from preaching sermons or stating only opinions.

Keep your message positive. Follow themes that everyone can relate to and want to hear. Topics like hope, peace, love, and joy to name a few.

Holding up three fingers should be your reminder that three minutes is all you need to share your testimony and ask a good question that tells someone that you are concerned about them. Any longer than that and it becomes a sermon, a lecture, and most people are too busy to hear more! Yet, if done correctly it will open up a door where you can share more later.

D. Love Appropriately. -- Agape Love is central to the heart of God.

When we say we love someone but we do not demonstrate appropriate love we make a mockery of the sacrifice that Jesus provided for us on the cross. Appropriate love are two words I used together because the definition of love is used in many hurtful ways. Some people use it to manipulate others or to cast fear upon them by making them do inappropriate acts defined as love. When we witness we must care for someone and elevate their status while presenting ourselves as a humble servant.

Nothing amazes me more than when I hear and even witness Christians who demand their rights in the public square. Nothing makes me more frustrated to hear about how our waitress was belittled or insulted because a Christian didn’t get the meal they felt they deserved and had requested. It is all too familiar on Sundays when I’ve been told by waitresses that it is the worst day of the week when "those Christians" come in after being at church. One waitress told me, "They are very demanding People and they leave little to no tip." Unfortunately this is not a rare occasion.

Demonstrating appropriate love in the day and age we live is so vital. So many of those to represent the Christian faith and even those in the profession of clergy and Pastor are making headlines today because of their inappropriate behavior. Yep beyond that we can all stand with an indictment because we haven’t done well to understand God‘s version of love called, "Agape".

Gods definition of love was demonstrated by Christ and was clearly understood by the disciples. If we stopped to really think about God’s grace toward us it would truly humble us because we all need forgiveness. Agape is unconditional and selfless love that we need to demonstrate each and every day. If we demonstrate it well it is very likely that people will remark about how different we are and therefore be a witness for Christ.

E. Be Kind in Tangible Ways. -- Being the hands & feet of Jesus make Him real.

I was standing outside a restaurant getting ready to go in one day when I saw a man standing at the door. I didn’t really think much about it as I approached him but then it came to me that he was looking for someone to give him a handout.

I was at a fast food restaurant one day in the city nearly 500 miles from home. I was a stranger. I noticed a woman who appeared homeless and hungry. I invited her to join me in the restaurant and that I would be willing to buy her anything she wanted on the menu. Humbly she stated that she would only have a small drink and a simple hamburger. I repeated to her that she could have anything on the menu and that price was not a concern for me. After ordering one or two more small items she quietly whispered, "thank you." I asked her if I could pray for her as we placed our order. I prayed out loud for her to which she responded very graciously. As I ended my prayer I looked behind me and to my surprise there was a long line of people patiently waiting yet bowing their heads in prayer.

I tell you those stories not to impress you but as examples of how this and other acts of kindness, though simple can witness for Christ. While others simply rush through their day and pass by the hurting, and at times even I am in that group, we need to be reminded that simple acts of kindness done in the name of Jesus echo for eternity.

This fifth reminder is likened unto an open hand as you count one, two, three, four, five. As the world clinches it’s fist and may even shake their hand at God our simple and selfless acts of kindness releases the power of God‘s love and causes many to relax and open their hands to receive.

We don’t have to be a rocket scientist or a clever individual, we just simply need to respond as Jesus would to those who are hurting. Each of these five can stand on their own and you may even find one more comfortable than the other. It’s important that you do not neglect the opportunity when it is in front of you or even if you must go out of the way to find that opportunity.

Recently I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Mitch Kruse, Restoration Road. His latest book tells us that we can do a better job witnessing if we simply ask questions. We are quick to give answers but what if we, as Kruse says, "put the verb at the beginning of the statement and end it with a question mark." Check out his new book, "Street Smarts from Proverbs."

Prison. If I Could Have Taken You With Me.

Imagine seeing yourself on the journey I am going to share with you. It may be hard for many. It may be easy for some who already know what it is like to be a prisoner. Yet, all of us need freedom in Christ from something. I’m getting ahead of myself. Let me start the journey and begin to paint the picture for your imagination as you see yourself joining me in prison.

The afternoon that began a three day journey started, for us in prayer. The day was going to be a good day. As we approached the Miami Correctional Facility my heart began to beat faster and faster as I thought about the opportunity that awaited us. Some of us chatted while others told stories of having done this before. I reflected on some of my years having visited some of the largest prisons in America and spending weekly visits in the local county jail teaching classes and getting to know those behind the heavy iron doors. Nothing could really compare with this experience; this journey is called, Kairos.

We, on the outside of prison as well as those inside mark our time with calendars and clocks. This is called "Kronos" time. On the outside of prison we can fill it with activities of fun and work, projects and recreation. On the inside it could also be wasted but time means something else. For many, it is about "doing time". Most recognize that their prison sentence behind bars is required to fulfill time because of something that was wrong, something that they may have done that required a judge to pronounce a sentence that began the clock for them. As the gavel fell the hollow echo pierced their ears and their time begins. Bitterness, anger, rage, fear, hurt, and rejection are all part of the experience as every emotion floods their soul with despair.
Our group walks in through the front doors of prison; entering through the large metal doors we experience an atmosphere that is stale and cold. Those cold steel doors and metal detectors provide our welcome and as we approach the guards we sign ourselves in to begin the process of being brought through the gate.

Prisoners are brought through a different gate and while there are some comparisons that mirror the one that we experienced, it is also very different for them. It is a stale and cold beginning. For them however, they are brought to the prison where they will exist for years to come. Every day their freedom will be lost. They enter, not of their own free but of one assigned with them along with their number. They receive very few items that are given to them, and they are assigned where they will sleep, when they will awaken, what they will do, and their new experience will eventually become a daily routine that many men and women could not deal with. I know for me, I would likely go insane because of the feelings of despair and emptiness; it fills their mind with nothing else but an empty and hollow existence.

There is another time that we call Kairos time. This journey that we take will intersect with the journey that many are already on. This time is not measured by clocks in calendars but it is gods time. It may be an appointed time and our mind cannot comprehend it. This is a time thar God determines. Through the journey of life we often avoid it and may even reject it but there is a time that God determines is the right time, when a good outcome can happen if we let Him.

For this reason, we enter the prison doors. We hope to set men free but not from the prison gates but the chains and walls that have held them as prisoners, yet many for their entire life. Many are fatherless. Many have had loss. Many have been rejected. Many have been betrayed. Many have wounds that have not healed while everyone has scars that tell stories.

We lineup as we begin with introductions. Each of us have been assigned to welcome a prisoner we call our "guest". As their name is called, the room of men irrupts in a torrent of cheers and applause. This is how we welcome our guests. We get them their favorite drink which could be coffee, orange juice, or fruit punch. We make a introduction and we hand them a name tag and we get them their favorite drink which is usually a cocktail of a blended kind. One takes their coffee with five creamers and five sugars. Another says I would like a mixture of red fruit punch with orange. Some want a blend of hot cocoa and coffee. Whatever they want we make every effort to memorize it so that the next day we are prepared with their favorite drink in-hand as their name is called.

Throughout the day and the days to come over the weekend that we meet together, we exchange questions and get better acquainted with one another. We asked questions about their favorite meal or their hobby or job. We will make it as normal of a conversation as we can. We even share bits of information about ourselves so that they feel comfortable with us. We never asked them anything about why they’re in prison and even if they share that information we tell them that here that does not matter.

There are chapel times and teaching times. But the best part is that we are feeding them both spiritually as well as physically. The man I’ve already heard that we bring in home-cooked meals, and incredible stories are told. The first day and a half a man over eat because this is the first real food that they have had in a long time. Their food does not even compare with what we feed them. Goes on the outside pray continually as they prepare delicious meals and track them over to the prison so that there are no delays in delivering hot food for the men to consume.

There are several that teach throughout the weekend with a time of discussion around the tables. There are times for fellowship which eventually feels like home because it is a safe place for them to tell us their story and tell of their deepest wounds. These are sacred times because they have told no one before and feeler yet as they gain further trust in our relationship.

Imagine yourself being there. See yourself as one of us. Can you smell what we smell? Can you see what we see? Can you hear what we hear? All of our senses are on alert because we don’t want to miss the miracles that are to happen in the lives of each man. Some of the miracles we saw was hardened men confess their sin and receive a freedom that only God can give through Jesus Christ.

One man told of a time when he tried to commit suicide while on the outside. He was a hunter and fisherman. He loves the outdoors. He had purchased a new rifle for hunting years prior. "It was a perfectly designed rifle," he told me. He described how this rifle never missed his target; deer, small game, and targets practice. At his lowest he took that rifle in an attempt to end his life using his rifle. After coming to a new relationship with Christ over the past few days he recounted that negative experience. He explained how low he had gotten to. He summarized his testimony by saying, "The only time that rifle ever misfired was that time when I put the barrel under his chin. Click, Click. It didn't fire." 

His testimony was more complete when he said that through Kairos, he now understands that God had another appointed time in mind for him. He shared, "The rifle didn't fire because I needed to be at Kairos to receive Christ for the very first time ever."

Nothing can prepare you for the reaction of the men when we bring out the meals. They haven’t had real milk in years. They haven’t tasted real meat in years. They haven’t had the amount of food that we serve in years. Some don’t know how to respond except to eat as much as they could consume. They eat the fresh baked cookies, they asked for seconds of every cocktail of kool-aid and coffee and hot cocoa that we could provide. They haven’t eaten like this in a long time.

Most have waited two or three years to get to this moment. They have waited a long time to arrive at this appointed time we call Kairos. These are our guest. We don’t see them as prisoners because at the foot of the cross the ground is level. We see ourselves in their eyes. We know our sin yet they were caught. We realize the transgressions in our lives but our guest are paying the price for those transgressions in their lives.

We who have planned and prayed watch with great eagerness as the shell of each man slowly begins to come to life again. We watch as they are hard and protected self slowly takes down their wall that they build with their own hands to attempt to protect themselves from any further disappointment or pain or rejection.

They built these walls with their own hands to attempt to protect themselves from any further disappointment or pain or rejection. They discover that their wall was built with stones that were familiar to them. Stones like selfishness and greed. Stones that were polished and cared for. Perhaps their favorite stone is what they lay upon is pride. They are taught new lessons about how the stones were not built by God but that God wants to tear down that wall, stone by stone so that He could reach them and He could care for them and pierce their heart of stone.

Slowly they share their story and slowly they trust us with some things that have told no one!  They eventually learn that we are a safe person to share things with. Eventually they learn to feel our sincere heart of love.

The cookies are their favorite. In this particular weekend we brought over 2,500 cookies for them to enjoy. Any leftover cookies we deliver throughout the prison to others who are incarcerated in the various cell-blocks of prison life. Everyone in the prison knows about the cookie drop and most wait six months to receive one dozen fresh baked cookies.

By the time the men begin to share their stories and testimonies of what God has done in their lives there is an overflow a genuine tears and life change. There is not a dry eye in the room because we have the opportunity to see miracles happen before us.

The men, and the women that do this are overjoyed. Hugs coming easy and laughs are plenty. We spent months praying and preparing in hopes that it will make a difference for Christ in the lives of our guest that will last a lifetime. It’s amazing to me how incredibly humbled I am to have been a witness of this incredible experience.

I hope you were able to join me in your mind’s-eye. I hope that you could begin to feel what we feel. For each of these men and our leaders we become a family. We call each other brothers in Christ. We remind the man that God has unconditionally forgiving them and challenge them to forgive  themselves and others. Perhaps the most difficult challenge for them is being able to forgive themselves. The transformation occurs once they receive Christ and begin to forgive themselves.

The Kairos experience in the prison hopes to introduce Christ to the men (and women) by helping them to receive His grace and forgiveness. It is also a way for our guests to forgive themselves and others. This message is not just for those on the inside but available to all.

Silence Everyone!

- By Rick Carder

We live in a noisy world. There are so many distractions and interruptions in our day that it’s crowding out our free time. Most homes have an average of four televisions and with the growth of mobile devices it seems as if we are always online. In our cars we turn on the radio and in our offices we need background noise. We are contributing to the volume of noise that creates decimal levels that can permanently damage our hearing.

There are times when even the crises of life impact our perspective of God. We are tempted to allow the storms of life to steal the calm of His presence in our lives.

Roman’s 8:28

My family lived in the west suburbs of Chicago where the planes flew over our home every 15 seconds. We were in the direct path to O’Hare airport which was at the time the busiest airport in the country. When we first moved there we seem to notice the planes all the time but the longer we live there the more they just became the background noise. It was the noice that drown-out our quiet time. After a while we hardly noticed the noice at all. That became just as true about the highway traffic where the sounds of vehicles on our street next-door & the roar of the highway several miles away. Noise was all around us.

In the storms of life we are reminded that God is in control. As Romans 8:28 reminds us that "...all things work together for good..." Just as in crisis and in our busyness, we are missing out on God’s plan for our lives.

Our lives are just as busy, filled with all kinds of activities that seem to force itself upon us. Whenever we would go out-of-town we would often remarked about how quiet it was. Most remarkably was during tragic days of 911 when all of the airtraffic were grounded. The silence was nearly deafening. We grew so used to the noise of the engines that when they were silenced it was eerie.

We call this phenomenon "White Noise", when the piercing roar becomes the background and overtime we learn to tune it out. At first during the evenings when we would open the windows in the summer it was hard to sleep because of the amount of background noise that we found it somewhat familiar over time  & it would cause us to slumber; like a Lullaby song.
The prophet Elijah mistakenly thought that God would be heard in the unmistakable sounds of thunder and wind. You can’t blame him for that because after all, God is mighty so it’s no surprise that he would look for God in what was familiar to his understanding.

As we examine closely Elijah‘s experience I quickly note that God was not found in the roar of the noise but rather in the quiet whisper of something unfamiliar to him. Without going into too much depth we recognize quickly that Elijah was the prophet of God that demonstrated clearly the power of Almighty God in-which fire fell from the heavens and destroyed. Perhaps Elijah simply got used to the noise like many of us do as well.

When we examine more closely the word whisper in this passage we find that in Hebrew it can also mean silence. God spoke in the silence of the moment. Perhaps we like Elijah are so busy that we allow the White Noise of the winds and the crashing thunder of our busyness to keep us from hearing the voice of God?

And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. I Kings 9:11-13

Take a look at your schedule and see how much "white space" you have and what room you have for silence. Make a list of all the things that distract you that we might call the, "White Noice" of your busy life. 

Next, make it a goal to put more space in your schedule, eliminating the White Noise that could often drown out the Lord’s message in your life. The discipline of silence brings comfort to the soul and strengthens our discovery of God’s majesty. Sometimes words just get in the way.

Third, set aside time, even schedule it if you have to for some silence in your life. You might be amazed at what the Lord says to you as that still quiet whisper is heard in the stillness at that moment.

Who am I, Really?

- By Rick Carder

When I was young, many years ago, I struggle to know what I was good at and even more uncertain about the rest of life. Perhaps you are the same way. It certainly is that not a matter of age, because even in my 50’s, I sometimes question my contribution. I know that I have strengths and abilities but my weaknesses seem to be more clearly visible these days.

Once while attending a minister’s gathering the facilitator asked the question, "Who are you?" He was asking a group of us in the room to describe who we are but not because of what we do or the title of our job but by defining our identity through the eyes of God. The speaker stated,  "Often we define who we are based on the role that we serve." He continued, "We need to describe ourselves without using titles or defining roles like parent or husband or even your job title."


It took a little thinking by the majority of us in the room to answer the question of who are we? We sat quietly for just a moment waiting for some brave soul to give the first answer. We mused to each other that if someone else got it wrong at least we would have a shot at the right answer.

Since then it has forced me to gain a greater understanding of who I really am. Some of the answers that surfaced were a tremendous testimony of God’s grace and love as well as his Truth being profoundly influential in our lives. "I am a child of God," said one. Another stated, "I am better than I once was." Definitions surfaced in abstract ways that differed from my thinking. They seemed to focus on our true identify in Christ, not as tokens that we can present to him but truly see ourselves through the eyes of Christ.


What I learned that day was that I took a great deal of pride in my accomplishments and in my abilities that did not always point to God’s grace and truth in my life. Often our definitions are selfish and even model non-Christian ideas. I learned that God’s grace and his plan for my life was to bring him glory and not for me alone.

I reflected on the time that I went through the Bible study series, "The Purpose-Driven Life" that became the best seller book around the idea that it is "not about you." Rick Warren quote.

In his bestselling book "The Purpose-Driven Life," megachurch pastor and author Rick Warren enumerates five reasons why people are on this earth. We're here: 1) For God's pleasure; 2) For God's family; 3) To become like Christ; To serve God; 5) For a mission. It's when we realize these purposes for our existence that we'll start living, says Warren. Read more at Rick Warren summary remarks.

As we continue to define ourselves by what we do or by our accomplishments we diminish the opportunity for God to not only be glorified but for his plan to be stamped on our lives. I was challenged to think more about my purpose and God’s plan than my individual success.

I was challenged to think more about my purpose and God's plan than my individual success.

Jossy with Merle

Merle was the kind of person who seemed to know herself very well. She didn't define himself by her jobs or even that she authored many books. She lived 111 years. Today she would have turned 112 and she would have impressed even the richest person or most successful person. It was not her accomplishments that defined her but by how she lived.

If you ever met Merle you would know what I am saying. Read more about he here: Merle Phillips, Aged to Perfection.

Take a blank sheet of paper and write your name. Then take each letter of your name and begin to write down definitions of who you are that are not defined by what you do or the roles that you play in life. In other words, do not state that you are a husband or a father but rather what are the attributes that you can use that may even point to God’s work in your life.

Here are mine:
R - Righteous (because of the grace of Christ).
I - Imitator (of God’s love).
C - Christ’s ambassador (& evangelist).
K - Kingdom-minded.

You Catch ‘Em, I’ll Clean ‘Em.

- Written by Rick Carder

Serving in outreach, especially as a community chaplain with the police department and jail ministry, you don’t always find that the end of the story is as clear as it was from the beginning. Yet you make your resolve that what you’re doing is planting seeds and God is going to produce the fruit. As we reach out to others we quickly learned that we are indeed planting seeds of trees that will grow in which we will never enjoy the shade of.

The apartment that taught me that you may never know the impact of your message.

When I was pastoring and serving as a chaplain our local church had a food pantry in which we would record the names and addresses of people who would be served by this ministry. We often said that our ministry was that a blessing others and not expecting a return on our investment. We would serve families in the name of Jesus and leave the results up to God.

Yet on serval occasions we noticed that there were different people who would write down the same address as they came to our pantry. One day this happened twice within the same day which made this especially alarming. I decided that I would pay a visit to that apartment address to see what was going on.

You might say that in those days I had far more zeal than spiritual discernment but there I was standing at the door of apartment which I’ve never been before. As I thought to myself, "What am I doing here?" the door opened. My stomach begin to knot up and my throat was dry as this large deep voice woman stood at the door saying, "What do you want?"

With God’s help at that moment my spine stiffened and I simply said, "Are you the resident of this apartment?" I quickly made introduction and stated the purpose of my visit. I stated that I was concerned about the number of people who are using this address to get groceries from our church pantry. The woman simply said, "Yeah, what’s it to you? I send these people out to get groceries to pay for their night’s stay."

After further dialogue I stood at the door and cut a deal with Terry, the head resident. I told her that I would be willing to bring a bag of groceries every week if she would not send people to our church because we needed to be clear of the intent of our food pantry. She accepted this and for several weeks, every Monday I would bring groceries to her apartment. I never went inside because it seem like there were different people in the apartment each week.While it was suspicious and rather curious I decided that my job ended once I dropped off the groceries.

Sometime past when eventually I invited Terry and any of her associates to come to church and that it may be easier for her to pick up the groceries after attending our service. I stated that there are wonderful people who would be happy to meet her and that we had ministries that could further serve her needs. To my surprise she began to attend and often sat in the back row of the church. I don’t blame many of the strange looks that she and I received as I sat next to her. She had every intent of being kind but her deep voice and piercing look gave people the impression that she was hostile and that children should be protected. Her and I would have many conversations about how people perceive her. It is no surprise that because of her hygiene or clothing or facial expressions they gave off the impression that she was not friendly.

We begin to talk about that and some of the ladies would even help her with clothing needs. Eventually she became regular in her attendance and more approachable as people got to know her. I still would take time to visit with her at the apartment while never going inside. We would often sit just outside and have our conversations while meeting a few other drifters that would stay for a night or two.

Weeks turned in the months that I continued to minister is best I knew how. All the while continuing my chaplaincy at the police department many of the officers would tell me to be careful as I work with, "Her kind." I assured them that my role as pastor was as free to her and her kind as it was to the officers. Many officers saw my naïveness. They knew that I was a foster parent and a good hearted soul. They knew that I went to the jail as well as mentoring at-risk youth. My nickname became Padre both at the police department and in jail.

One night I showed up for the roll-call at the police department. It was a time when reports of previous night’s activities were reported as well as other vital information shared with police officers. As we were interacting in the back I heard the report that shot my head around quickly with the look of shock and surprise on my face.

The Captain announced, "Well fellas, we finally broke it up. It looks like Terry and her house of prostitution is finally shut down!" He gave the address in which I couldn’t help but blurred out, "Terry? You mean my Terry!" The room roared with laughter. My realization that yes indeed they were talking about the very same woman that I had been fostering a ministry with who ran the house of prostitution. Of course all of the pieces of the puzzle fell into place instantly at that moment! Of course, I should’ve been more aware.

I became the candid camera victim as the officers slapped me on the back yelling, "Go Padre!"
Trying to pick myself up off the floor and pull my emotions together all I could think to say to the officers was, "Thank you for making my job a lot easier. You all know that I also have a jail ministry! I’ll visit her there tomorrow." I further said, "You catch ‘em, I’ll clean ‘em!"

I hope that the message ultimately reached to the hearts of the officers that we are all sinners and that no one is righteous. My hope is what they learned is that our Christian love is without condition but that we pray and desire that all people would come in the life-changing message of God‘s love in Jesus Christ.

In God‘s Kingdom Things Are Not Always Black-and-White But Shaded In Red.

- Written by Rick Carder

For several years I served as a chaplain for the police department and jail ministry. While pastoring in Wheaton, Illinois I found outreach an incredible opportunity to reach people for Christ; especially those in uniform whether in prison or members of the Police department.

During those years both groups were a bit of a captive audience for me. In the jail ministry I was able to witness and serve and preach of the hope and love of Jesus Christ. Many were in a lock up facility awaiting sentencing or beginning their court trial. For the Police Officers, that meant doing ride-alongs with the officers where I was embedded with them in their patrol calls.

I developed a close relationship with those whom I served if we remained humble and listened. Either of these groups had a lot to say if only you knew how to ask the right questions and discern the conversation. I often told people in my chaplain ministry that it didn’t matter whether they were the ones making the arrest or of the incarcerated. God’s grace extends equally.

I can’t begin to tell you the many stories of this fine line between the officer and the offender. There were times when even the testimonies of inmates would make you just have to believe in a loving God no matter the nature of things.

One such example related to an inmate at the DuPage County Jail. Dennis was being held on felony charges because in the middle of his armed robbery at a gas station he was confronted by an off-duty police officer. Their altercation resulted in a wrestling match in which the officer was shot. The bullet lodged in his spine resulting in him becoming paralyzed yet the offender was captured awaiting his trial.

Over the next few years the trial drug on in-which both the police officer and the offender came to know Jesus Christ as their personal savior. It was an incredible story of reconciliation that was initiated by a tragedy. Without either one of them knowing that each became a Christian their stories became a web of an incredible tapestry that resulted in two men having their lives transformed.
The incarcerated man came to know Christ as he pleaded out to God for mercy. The officer came to know the Lord because a church provided compassionate ministries that included the building of a ramp and providing financial resources while the long road of recovery ensued.

I remember knowing both of them yet not knowing the full drama and unexpected blessing that was to occur. Without revealing the identity of either I had the opportunity to learn the story of God‘s grace in real time. The offender came to learn of his sin that brought him to a place of true bondage and being incarcerated. The officer came to learn of his sin through God‘s grace that humbled him and brought him to a depth of despair that ultimately resulted in an incredible testimony to God’s glory.

I’ll never forget the day that the story turned all hearts heaven-word. Here were the two in the same courtroom one likely been sentenced to 20+ years in prison and the other becoming the advocate for the offender.

The courtroom was a humble setting but filled with anxious hearts anticipating the outcomes of this tragic yet redemptive drama. One of the witnesses that was called as an advocate. He approached the bench with a testimony that while this was an offender and perhaps an open and shut case that the judge would find leniency by appealing to God‘s mercy. That advocate was indeed the police officer who was forever changed. As he wheeled himself into the court and asked for the judge to give a lesser sentence because the two of them were brothers in Christ. To everyone’s amazement the offender and the officer both realized that they were captives of sin and pride. Their transformation became the story of grace and reconciliation.

Even though the officer would never serve it in uniform again he testified to a new hope and purpose in his newfound faith in Jesus Christ. He stated that if it were not for this life changing condition he would not of found true peace and joy in Jesus Christ.

The offender still went to prison but what he testified to me that day in jail echoes in my heart still today. He said that certainly he will serve his time for such a grievous act yet he is being called by God to be an evangelist in the state prison where he will serve his sentence yet as a freeman in Christ and an evangelist for Christ to others serving their time.

God‘s Kingdom is not always black-and-white but often shaded in red because of the blood of Jesus Christ which reconciles us to himself.  The ministry of hope and transformation, of grace and truth, ended in deliverance and freedom in Christ as demonstrated by this story. Two men whose lives crossed by tragedy yet meeting Christ at the intersection of his grace and reconciliation forever echoes in eternity for God’s glory.