CHALLENGES
August 6, 2000
In the epistles of Corinthians and Ephesians we are called to have unity as the one body of Christ. Unity is different from unison. Unison (according to Webster) is when all the voices or instruments perform the same part. I.E. The same song, the same notes, the same words. Unity (according to Webster) is when all parts work in an artistic arrangement, it is a union of related parts, a harmonious working of various parts. We are called to unity--each members in particular (according to Romans, Corinthians, Ephesians) but working in harmony with one another--complimenting each other as in singing in harmony.
For the past 3 1/2 years we have worked, prayed, and endeavored to fashion Christian Adoption into a ministry based upon spiritual unity. We do not all sing the exact same song, we recognize that we are each members in particular in the body of Christ, and we accept the part that we can each contribute to others in the CA family. It has been a beautiful harmony that only God could conduct and orchestrate. A fundamental element of that unity of the CA family has been the care that we have exemplified for and with one another. That care has been based upon trust. Trust that we could share our thoughts and hearts with each other--and that our confidences would not leave the CA family unit. It has taken years of ministering to others and in reassuring couples that they could share their lives with us and with others in CA by way of the updates, prayer requests, and personal writings--and that their hearts would be guarded and respected by others in CA. This fundamental element of trust, sharing, and caring for one another is what has made and I pray will continue to make CA so unique and so needed by couples pursuing adoption. We have endeavored to offer a haven, a rest, a refuge from the world's approach to the adoption process. At no point in time have we ever claimed to be the best, the only or the adoption source with the ultimate edge. We state in several places within the pages of our web site, that we are not for everyone and we are not looking/selling or try to convince anyone to come join our CA family. When and if that trust and respect is lost, we will no longer be a unique fish swimming upstream in the world of adoption.
There are countless records of men of God that were given information or had access to information that was to be "Lock Box"-- never to be uttered without God's permission and direction to do so. It is basic principle in God's Word--don't share all you know with anyone or everyone you know. Sharing information with others just for the sake of sharing is a form of gossip/talebearer.
Proverbs 18:8 states, "The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost part of the belly." This same verse is stated again in Proverbs 26:22. There must be a reason for God having that verse repeated.
Friendships and all relationships are built upon trust. Destroy trust and the relationship is gone. Betray another's trust and there is a point of no return--especially when a person says they will not commit the same infraction and does so anyway.
Eddie and I never 'set out' to start a Christian Adoption ministry. It has been God's guidance, prompting, and blessing that has allowed us to become a ministry to others. As the leader of CA, I am responsible before God for the way in which I lead, share, teach, encourage or educate. I recognize that responsibility and I acknowledge my accountability. I have endeavored to surround myself with wise counselors in areas of finance, legalities concerning adoption, web site administration, liability ramifications, accounting, and established a checks and balance system with our CA Joseph Fund. My position is to lead and to be accountable.
May God continue to pour out His mercy and grace upon our Christian Adoption ministry. May we continue to do our utmost for His highest each day. May the world see Christ living within us and marvel.
In His service,
Deborah
For more information please read People and Together. We encourage you to prayerfully consider registering with our service, and/or writing to us.
adoption@christianadoption.com
A non-profit Christian and Internet
service ministry. We're helping others in the adoption
process.
1.800.277.7006 620.251.4405
Deborah S. Hill P.O. Box 243 Coffeyville, KS 67337
www.christianadoption.com adoption@christianadoption.com
