Lifeline Banquet
Chris and I had the most incredible night at the Lifeline Children’s Services Banquet on Tuesday. It was a night of dinner and a silent auction. We were given tickets to go with some other church staff members. AND to top that off, we had free babysitters thanks to the Moon family!
Now, those of you that know us know that I am quite the social butterfly. I LOVE being around people and visiting with everyone. Chris is the opposite. He’s pretty quiet and isn’t what you would call a “people person”. Anyway, I was a little nervous going to the banquet. I thought it might be awkward because I wouldn’t know anyone. When we arrived, I saw a handful of people that I knew which sent a little sense of relief. Then I quickly realized that Chris was somewhat of a celebrity. He has been doing announcements and prayers at church over the past couple of months, so he is very recognizable. Probably half of the 700 people who attended this event were members of our church. Everyone kept coming up to him and speaking to him or introducing themselves to him. It was hilarious! And to be honest, I kind of enjoyed the quiet, behind the scenes wife duty. I smiled and shook some hands and that was about it. When we got to our table, I was immediately put to ease by the other staff members and their spouses. What incredible people and I really enjoyed getting to know them!
Once the program started, I quickly realized this night was not about me. I was in awe! We got to hear from the president of Lifeline, Herbie Newell, about everything they are doing to help orphans around the world. We also got to hear a challenge from David Nassar and a message from David Platt. Probably the most emotional thing for me was seeing the parade of families. They had families who had adopted, birthmothers, and foster parents give a glimpse of their stories. I was an emotional wreck! It is just so good to be reminded of our calling! God never said this would be an easy, short process. God never said it’s even going to be easy once Haven is in our arms. But, God specifically calls us to take care of orphans and so that’s what we’re going to do. I was so encouraged and challenged throughout the evening.
Lifeline really does an incredible job with this ministry and calling. We have been so pleased with their customer service and even more realize now what a great organization they are! We hope to always be a part of giving to Lifeline. We hope to make this an annual date night for us. Maybe one day, we can host a table of our own and invite our friends to be a part of this special event.
At the end of the dinner, we were asked to surround Lifeline employees and pray for them. To be honest, I have spent a lot of time praying for orphans, Haven, my family members adjusting to Haven, financial provision, wisdom, and patience. However, I was reminded that I need to spend more time praying over adoption agencies and social workers. I pray that they would be protected, work with the utmost business morals, comforted by the emotional rollercoaster of adoption from their view, and that they would realize what a difference they are making in the kingdom of God and in the lives of families. Would you join me in specifically praying for “M” and “L”? These two ladies have been incredibly instrumental in our adoption process. They have answered a bazillion questions, helped educate us on adopted children, and are right now looking for Haven.
I hope you enjoy this incredible video made by our dear friend Taylor Robinson at Six Foot Five Productions (one of the few people I knew at the banquet). It was shown on Tuesday night and is another incredible reminder of the power ONE person can make doing ONE act on behalf of children all over the world!