17 Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. Isaiah 1:17
Removal Day is not a day to be celebrated. It is the day a child becomes a ward of the state and enters into the foster system. They begin this journey with whatever they have on and wait in a government office for their case worker to place them in a home. It could take hours. The floor may be their bed for the night. It is one of the most traumatic experiences a child can go through.
Enter Isaiah 117 House. This organization was built through obedience to God. The goal is to show love to children on their worst day. Its to show them that they are children of God and are not forgotten. It’s a ray of light in the darkness.
Last week, I was able to hear Ronda Paulson tell her story, which is God’s story, about how the Isaiah 117 House came to be in Carter County, Tennessee. I can’t get into the foster system and adoption tonight, but know there is a great need for loving homes. As Ronda repeated, “these children have done nothing wrong.”
The good news is that Ronda and others took the steps God directed and their work is spreading. Shelby County is getting two. White Station Church of Christ will have one next door, to be built on a bare parcel. Thank you Jesus. Thank you White Station Church of Christ for partnering with this mission.
Lord, tonight we lift up those caring for the orphaned. We pray for encouragement, strength, and abundant love and patience for case workers and foster families. We pray for the children, Lord, through no fault of their own, that are removed form their birth families. Lord, hold them near to You. Place your arms around them in a loving embrace, that they may know the peace of God. Work in their hearts Lord, to heal the brokenness that led them into the foster system. Protect them.
Lord, we pray for those families that haven’t and can’t care for their children. Often, they are chained by addiction. Break those chains.
Lord, we pray for Isaiah 117 House, their staff and supporters, and their new Memphis location. We pray that you bless their work and guard it from evil. We pray that resources are provided out of your abundance Lord. May hearts be healed by the love and work of these homes. Though temporary for the children, may You dwell in them. Thank you for those men and women that open their homes and hearts to children in the foster system. Bless them. In Christ’s name, Amen.
For further reading, please visit the website to Isaiah 117 House linked above. Mission below.
The mission of Isaiah 117 House is threefold: