the mustard seeds: February 2014

We are so excited that we have been blessed with a matching grant from the awesome organization Lifesong for Orphans! Praise the Lord! It is just so amazing to see how He continues to provide. One year ago when we decided to start the adoption process, we were looking at a $30,000 financial hurdle to overcome. We took a rather scary step of faith that some might say was unwise, but faith looks crazy sometimes. And by God's grace and the generosity of so many beautiful people, we only have $8000 left to pay before we can bring our daughter home! A-mazing!! Praise the Lord!

We would love it if you would consider helping us raise these final expenses. Lifesong has awarded us a $2000 matching grant, with a goal to raise the entire amount by April 20th, 2014. However, funds will be accepted until the adoption is complete. Lifesong will match every donation dollar for dollar up to $2000, meaning we have the possibility of raising $4000!

Not easy. Not fun.

It is quite humbling to ask for help, especially financial help. Ugh. But God never promised that this process would be always fun or easy, so here we are again, depending on God's provision and the generosity of others. We know that so many of you have already contributed (and we are so thankful for you by the way!), so there is no need to feel like you need to give again. No guilt trips here, folks! Although we would still appreciate your prayers...(-: If you would like to help us be able to claim the matching grant here's how:

    •    Checks should be payable to “Lifesong for Orphans". In the memo, note “family name” and “family account number” (Freerks / #4275) to assure it goes to the correct account. Please mail to Lifesong for Orphans, PO Box 40, Gridley, IL 61744. Lifesong has been blessed with a partner that underwrites all U.S. administrative and fund-raising costs (TMG Foundation and other partners). That means 100% of your donation will go directly to the adoption.
    •    To pay online go to www.lifesongfororphans.org/give/donate. Select “Give to an Adoptive Family.” Complete the online form and fill in “Family Account Number” and “Family Name” fields. Note PayPal charges an administrative fee (2.9% + $.30 USD per transaction). Your donation will be decreased by the amount of this fee.
    •    (In following IRS guidelines, your donation is to the named non-profit organization. This organization retains full discretion over its use, but intends to honor the donor’s suggested use. Individual donations of $250 or more and yearly donations totaling $250 or more will receive a tax-deductible receipt. Receipts for donations under $250 will gladly be sent upon request. Lifesong is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization.)

Thank you for considering investing in God's Kingdom in this way. We desire above all to honor and glorify God through this journey and would love for you to join us!

Here is a letter from the Vice President of Lifesong on our behalf. I love the heart of this organization! Please read:

February 14, 2014

Dear church, family, and friends of Dean and Betsy Freerks,

God desires orphans of all nations to be adopted into Christ-honoring families so they can hear the Word of God and ultimately be adopted into God’s eternal family through faith in Jesus Christ. While God calls us to fulfill James 1:27 and “visit the fatherless” not all are called to adopt. Some are called to pray, some to give financially, some to go on mission trips, and some to adopt.
Lifesong for Orphans is a non-profit Christian ministry dedicated to help meet the needs of orphan children around the world, and to obey God’s call to “visit the fatherless...in their affliction” (James 1:27). With over 147 million orphans worldwide, Lifesong seeks to mobilize the Body of Christ to love and care for orphans. Lifesong serves families, churches and orphans through adoption funding. Additionally, Lifesong brings joy and purpose to orphans globally in seven countries and domestically through foster care initiatives. Please visit our website (www.lifesongfororphans.org) for more information.
Dean and Betsy have sensed God’s call to care for the fatherless and have joyfully stepped out in faith and obedience to adopt a child from Ethiopia. As you may already know, adoption can cost $25,000-$35,000, and this financial burden prevents many godly families from adopting. Lifesong believes God has called this family to adoption and has committed an Adoption Matching Grant of $2000 to help bring this child home.
Funds donated to Lifesong for Orphans will be given to help cover adoption expenses. Lifesong is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and your gift is tax deductible. 100% of all funds raised will go directly to cover adoption costs--nothing will be taken out for Lifesong for Orphans administrative costs.
Will you invest financially in the life of this child? It will be an investment with eternal return. God bless you for laying your treasures up in Heaven.

For His Glory,
Andy Lehman Vice President

Bringing Joy and Purpose to Orphans
PO Box 40Gridley, IL 61744
P 309.747.4527F 309.747.4647 www.lifesongfororphans.org

Oops. I guess things have been a little quiet on here lately. That would be because things have been a little quiet around here lately. Adoption-wise, we are still waiting for paperwork to be processed and such before we go meet our little lady.

Dean and I have agreed that this season feels like the "calm before the storm". We can try to prepare the best we can, but who knows what a storm may bring. It's that eerie quiet of nervous/excited anticipation. Yet our hope is secure in our God who will sustain us through whatever storm passes through.

Much prayer has surrounded this time. We pray fervently for our daughter, that our Heavenly Father would protect, comfort, and be with her while we can't. We also pray that He would be preparing all of us for the upcoming transition, and that there would be healing in her heart, mind and body. We would love for you to pray with us!

And to help pass the time, we've found plenty of ways to keep busy...