Day One of “The Orphan Table Diet”

I had cornmeal mush for breakfast and a plate of rice and beans for lunch. It really isn’t all that bad. I am a little hungry since I am not snacking. What makes it more difficult is that today is Halloween, and we have Kid’s Club. I have already been offered treats more than once and I am sure it will continue. So I put a sign in the church kitchen reading, “Please don’t feed the pastor.”

Two thoughts have occurred to me. The first is: This diet would be easier if I didn’t have so many other options. Most orphans don’t have these same choices. Any food looks good when it is all you have. I am not complaining, just observing. My second thought is: With every option before Him, Jesus chose the more humble path. If there was ever a guy that had options, it was Jesus. In Philippians 2:5-7 we are told, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.”

Jesus could have chosen not to become a man. He could have been born of any family on earth, but was born into a poor family. Although He was God in the flesh, he chose to empty Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant. Ultimately, He chose to lay down His life on the cross.

Lord, give us strength to have the attitude that was in Christ Jesus.

Orphan Size Me

Perhaps you have seen the 2004 film “Super Size Me.” This documentary follows Morgan Spurlock through a 30-day period during which he eats only McDonald’s food in order to expose this lifestyle's drastic effects on his physical and psychological well-being. Peter Travers of Rolling Stone reviewed the film with the words, “I’m lovin’ it.”


We at CARE want to present a challenge we hope will get you to say, “I’m loving them.” From October 31st until Orphan Sunday, November 6th, Pastor Don will stand in solidarity with orphans around the world by eating the same simple meals they eat each day—cornmeal mush and water for breakfast and rice and beans for the other two meals.

We invite you to join Pastor Don his last day. Many people dine out after their worship service. On Orphan Sunday, November 6th, eat the same simple meal of rice and beans that many orphans will eat. Afterward, donate what you would have spent dining out to an adoption/orphan ministry. Of course, we’d love for you to donate to Christian Adoption Resources & Education for Hancock Co., IL, but this is not about us. It’s about caring for orphans. So if you would prefer to give elsewhere, there are several other adoption and orphan ministries listed on our website  http://carehancock.tk/. Drop us a note if you plan to stand with us to “defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. (Psalms 82:3) Let’s all say, “I’m loving them.”

Who will CARE for the next Steve Jobs?

What do the late Steve Jobs and Dave Thomas have in common?

In different ways, both men made substantial contributions to the world.

Both men were also adopted as infants.  Their lives, and perhaps our own, have been touched by the loving response of adoption.

We are pleased to announce the launch of a new ministry called CARE:  Christian Adoption Resources & Education for Hancock County, IL.

CARE is a non-denominational, not-for-profit organization. CARE exists for the purpose of educating potential adoptive parents, foster care parents, and the church in general about adoption and orphan care. Additionally, we will provide scholarships to qualified Christian adoptive parents living in Hancock County, IL. Click here to visit our website for more details on this ministry.

CARE's first event will be in Carthage during Christmas on the Square. Watch for details!

What can you do to help?

• Pray for the ministry
• Volunteer to serve
• Donate start-up funds for advertising and fundraising activities
• Donate toward scholarships through a one-time or monthly contribution
• Spread the word through facebook, email, twitter, and word of mouth

Will the child you support or adopt become the next Steve Jobs?  In most cases, no. But your support will provide a better opportunity for him/her to succeed.  More importantly, it gives God's children what we believe they deserve: Love, Nurture, and a Family they can call their own.

For more information, see our website by  clicking here or contact us at adoptioncare@gmail.com.