7 Ways You Can Support Orphans Even If You Don’t Want to Adopt

Happy National Adoption Month!  This cause obviously has special significance to us because we began our family through the adoption process.  I wouldn’t have it any other way!  We adopted not because that was the only way for us to have a baby, but because we felt the tug on our heart.  We knew that we had a child somewhere in the world.  We needed to do everything we could to bring our precious baby home!

Give justice to the weak and the fatherless;
    maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.” Psalm 82:3 ESV

Here are 7 ways you can support orphans even if you don't want to adopt... Click To Tweet

Whether or not you feel the call to adopt, taking care of widows and orphans is a mandate from Jesus.   Here are 7 ways you can support orphans…

1. Foster a Child–Hats off to foster parents!  What a selfless act to take in a child and care for them until their biological parents are able to, or until they can find a forever family through adoption.  
2. Pray for Those in the Fostering and Adoption Process–Nothing is more powerful than our prayers.  An adoption covered in prayer is a blessed thing.
3. Pray for Children Being Adopted and their Biological Families–We began praying the day we decided to adopt.  We knew that lots of orphans weren’t cared for the way they would have been prayed for in a family.  We began to pray that our child would be favored and loved because we knew that would be his best chance for healthy development.  Don’t forget to pray for the biological families too.  Placing a child for adoption is a huge decision.  
4. Encourage Those Considering Fostering or Adopting–Fostering and adoption can be a long and emotional process.  Everyone needs encouragement.  A kind word or a genuine interest in the process goes a long way.  
5. Support Orphans Financially–Financial support can be a touchy subject, but the price of adoption can be too.  Don’t let people who would be great parents miss out on the chance to adopt because of financial reasons.  If you don’t have money to give, you can support fundraising efforts.  If you don’t know anyone adopting, you could contact a local adoption group and they will most likely know someone who would appreciate your support!  You can also support orphans who are still in the orphanage and may need medical assistance.  Our son needed surgery before we brought him home, and it was all taken care of by the kindness of strangers long before we ever knew our son!  
6. Visit an Orphanage–I still remember visiting an orphanage with my girl scout troop when I was young.  We simply played with the kids.  If you already have children, it’s a great way to get them involved.  If you are considering adoption, it might help warm them up to the idea.  There are also mission trips that provide opportunities to help care for orphanage facilities.  
7. Take the Plunge–Okay.  So I know this isn’t a way to support orphans if you don’t want to adopt, but I had to throw it in there.  I know some of you are having your heart strings tugged because you know you are supposed to adopt.  To you, I say, “Take the plunge!”  Adoption is an awesome, life changing miracle.  It has and will forever bless my life.  It could change your life for the better too.  

If you would like to know more about the importance of adoption, please check out these interesting adoption statistics.

I am so thankful for all those that supported us during our adoption process.  They made a lasting difference in our lives.  

If you are feeling a tug toward adoption, or are simply curious about the process, check out these other posts:

The Decision to Adopt

Waiting is the Hardest Part

When the Wait is Finally Over

Life Books and Memories for All

The Miracle of Adoption

National Adoption Month: Food for Thought

Adoption is a Beautiful Thing

How do you support orphans?