Adopt A Family

Have you ever experienced a Christmas when there were no gifts under the tree and perhaps not even a Christmas tree because there was no money for such things? In the past four years I have talked to many who would have had that very experience if it had not been for Christians like those at the Richfield Church of the Nazarene. I want to share a true story with you about someone who knows firsthand how important the "Adopt A Family" ministry is.

A family of nine lived in the Flint, Michigan, area: a mom and dad with seven children. The father was a part-time roofer, and the Mom worked in a local restaurant to provide for the family. Bills often went unpaid, and the family went without many things that most people consider absolutely essential, such as warm winter coats, mittens, boots, and other clothing.

It was Christmas in 1952, over 50 years ago, when this family reached rock bottom. One of the girls, only five years old, had just died in October. Just a few weeks later, a nine week old brother died of pneumonia. There was no money to pay for the funerals, barely enough food to go around, and no joy for the Christmas season. That is when North Flint Church of the Nazarene extended God's love to this family through a ministry similar to Richfield Church's "Adopt A Family." Someone from that church showed up at the family's door with a huge basket overflowing with food and wrapped gifts for the children.

There were other Christmases that other churches reached out to this family. In 1958 when there would have been no Christmas joy if it were not for someone who showed up at that family's door in Gladwin, Michigan, with food and gifts for each child, plus a ride to church on Sunday morning! It meant so much to the mother who now was left to raise her family alone because her husband died just a short time before the holidays.

That family had very little of material wealth, if any at all. There were no dolls, cars, bikes, nice clothes, games, perfume, candy, or even a turkey for Christmas dinner.

But when God's people showed up at their door, you can imagine the burden that was lifted.

Can you hear those thank yous and see those smiling faces?

I can and never will forget those days because, you see, I was one of those children. A seed was planted in my heart that won't easily be forgotten. Yes, that was in days gone by, but there are still families today who are having tough times due to lay-offs, low paying jobs, large medical bills, and not enough money to provide the necessities of life. And, yes, perhaps there are some who have just made poor choices. Nevertheless, our help is needed.

I have talked to many families while preparing for this ministry outreach who are struggling. One mom works part time at a fast food restaurant to help support her family. I've talked to several who have family members suffering from long-term illnesses, which have caused a financial burden for them. In some cases, a former provider is now absent from the home leaving a single parent struggling to make ends meet. I have even talked to some who were once on the giving side who now must accept help themselves. Many of these families thank us with tears in their eyes and hearts full of gratitude that we would do this for someone we don't even know. And, yes, in many cases they are not Christians.

We are in a position to buy not only what we need, but also what we want. Some of us have our homes and garages cluttered with things we've only used once or twice, if at all. Our refrigerators are so full, we sometimes can't save leftovers from a meal. And our closets are so full, there is no room for a new Christmas sweater!

But somewhere there is a little girl who was actually homeless last year. Now she has her own bedroom complete with a bed, blankets, sheets, rugs on the floor, and even pictures on the walls. She and her mom had food on their table and even a Christmas tree complete with decorations because someone at Richfield Church of the Nazarene put love into action. There was a little boy who received his first bike last year, and two little ones who needed and received beds. Others received warm pajamas and coats. There were families who were able to buy groceries and clothing for their adopted families.

Some may say, "I can't possibly do all of those things." True, but you may be able to give a Barbie doll, a toy car, a teddie bear, a board game, or a pair of warm mittens.

Why bother to do this?

Christmas is not all about material things under a Christmas tree and an abundant dinner on the table. It is our opportunity to reach out to others to show them Christlike love in action.

When we give to others because of the love that compels us, a seed is planted. We may never know what that seed grows into but we do know that the Lord had a part in it through us. They will remember a caring church who reached out to them just as I have never forgotten the ministry of love extended to my family.

I am a result of a seed planted. That seed had a lot to do with my spiritual development and how I feel about reaching out to others today in my own church. Through our willingness as Christians to help supply for the needy, we also introduce the greatest gift of all, Jesus. And Christmas will become much more meaningful to us. Matthew 25:40 says, "Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (KJV).

Sharon Drake is a retired public school teacher and a member of Richfield Church of the Nazarene in Otisville, Michigan where she serves as NMI President, teaches a Senior Adult Sunday School Class, and serves as Mission Call Coordinator for the Eastern Michigan District.

Please note: All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of original publication but may have since changed.