| We Believe That God is in Control of Our Agency and Your Adoption | July 2009 | |||
My Adoption Journey
My adoption story is different than many because I am single. I wasn’t even sure, in the beginning, if single women could adopt. I had just finished my master’s degree and was considering work toward my doctorate. The wisest thing I ever did prior to continuing my education was to pray. God showed me that there is nothing eternal in gaining another degree. Although I love my job and my role in the lives of children, more letters behind my name wasn’t going to fulfill the desires of my heart. God moved me away from continuing my education to starting my very own, and somewhat unique family. I began talking to family and close friends believing they would think I was crazy, but that didn’t happen. I considered domestic adoption only briefly, but decided international adoption would be the best option as it was quicker and, in my view, less risky. Although my family and friends continued to support my decision to adopt, the adoption of a child of a different race might be a different battle. I knew many in my family were resistant, so I continued to pray. Many things occurred that lead me to Ethiopia. God gave me the understanding that my child and I were meant to be together from the beginning of time. It was always God’s plan for me. I began to pray for the hearts of those I loved to accept my decision to adopt a child of a different race. Outwardly I was terrified, but inwardly I was at peace. Inside I knew I was going to be traveling to Ethiopia to be united with my child for the first time... More »
CWA partners with churches to bring hope to children
CWA has been hosting out-of-town visitors this week from a couple of visionary churches in an effort to strengthen our partnership and flesh out plans for our future working relationship. This has been an exciting time as we have recognized God’s sovereign hand in bringing us together. Representatives from Harvest Church (Billings, MT) and Journey Church (Bozeman, MT) reflect the commitment to take their already vital local ministries and carry them to the ends of the earth. As they searched for an organization that embodied their dual commitment to humanitarian aid as well as international adoption, they found a match with the vision of CWA and CWF. Of the estimated 143 million orphans in the world, only a fraction will find a future and a hope through adoption to Christian families in the US. (An estimated 12-15,000 children from around the world are adopted to the United States in a given year). Even fewer of those will ever return to their countries of origin to minister to the needs there. Yet, as families travel to bring home their adopted children, most of them undergo a life altering experience that opens their hearts and eyes to the needs of the rest of the world. Many of them develop a deep desire to do something about the needs that they encounter in those foreign countries, to make an impact, to make a difference. These churches are developing a model program of support for not only helping facilitate adoptions for families, but also providing a community of support for them once the children are home. Concurrently, they will be working out a mission strategy with the Acacia Village project that dovetails with the CWF commitment to community development in Ethiopia. We pray that their pioneering efforts will be replicated in countless other churches that catch the vision of what is possible when the body of Christ takes seriously the scriptural mandate in James 1:27. Also noteworthy: in a formal recognition of how God has already been moving His people to care for orphans, the Southern Baptist Convention passed a resolution in June 2009 on adoption and orphan care. Read the SBC resolution here »
JCICS to host webinars for adoptive parents
New adoption legislation introduced
In addition, the FACE Act would change the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 to grant a child automatic U.S. citizenship when adopted by American citizens at the time their adoptions are finalized in their country of birth. Now, the internationally adopted child receives citizenship only after they enter the U.S. to reside permanently. CWA will keep our families informed about the progress of this legislation. (Information compiled from the National Council for Adoption. See NCFA updates here ») |
Quick Links FREE Adoption Information
More children, new countries coming to the Hope Project
Over 30 children have already been chosen for adoption through CWA's Hope Project since it launched in late 2008. In July 2009, CWA will be adding more children from China, Ethiopia, and Eastern Europe. To find out more about this exciting adoption opportunity, please visit the Hope Project Inquiry Form »
"Summer of Hope" kids coming to NC CWA is hosting the Summer of Hope program for 18 Ethiopian youth for the month of July. The kids will spend 3-4 weeks with various host families in the Charlotte, NC area. The goal of their visit is to minister to the physical and emotional needs of the children. During their stay they will enjoy summer recreation activities, eat well, get good medical care, and above all, receive the love of Jesus Christ through their host families.
Weaving Families Magazine
CWA and CWF on Facebook and YouTube
CWA Adoption Advisors needed Are you passionate about adoption? Need to earn some extra money? CWA is looking for parents who have completed at least one adoption through CWA to lead monthly seminars. CWA Adoption Advisors are good communicators who help other families learn about international adoption through CWA. CWA provides training, support and compensation for Adoption Advisors. If you are interested in becoming a CWA Adoption Advisor, then please email a brief description of yourself to Jenny Dickinson.
Watch the new CWA video: |
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Copyright © 2009 Christian World Adoption Christian World Adoption is one of the largest international adoption agencies in the U.S. Since 1991 we have placed thousands of children into loving families throughout the United States and abroad. Toll Free: 1-888-97ADOPT or Email CWA |
• International Adoption Services |
By Cindy Wade 
From July 2 to December 3, 2009, the Joint Council on International Children’s Services will be hosting webinars for adoptive parents. Topics include: Developing Cultural Competence in Adopted Children, Inside Transracial Adoption: When International Adoptions Means Parenting Across Racial Lines, Brothers and Sisters in Adoption, and many more. Webinars cost only $10 per family. JCICS has a long-standing reputation for excellence in their work in the international adoption community. You can see a description of the webinars, presenter bios, and register for a webinar at the JCICS 
On June 25, the Families for Orphans Act and the Foreign Adopted Child Equality Act (FACE) were both introduced in the House and Senate. This act would create an office in the U.S. Department of State which would promote the right of children worldwide to grow up in a loving, permanent family. The Act also emphasizes that actions which keep a child in their country of birth are the preferred methods of child welfare. It also recognizes, however, that when it is not possible for a child to remain in his or her birth country, that placing a child in a family through international adoption is in the best interest of a child.
A new, free online magazine is available through Weaving Families Adoption Ministry. This is a Christian, adoption-themed magazine with great articles, family stories and more. Readership for the initial issue was 900 recipients and over 15,000 page views. CWA's Executive Director Justin Arnot contributed an article for their inaugural issue. Visit their 
CWA and CWF are now on 