Dear Church Family,
Mike and I our expecting another child! However, not in the way you may think, we are in the process of adopting a child from Thailand. This is an extremely expensive and lengthy process. We have not come to this decision lightly. We have prayed about and discussed adoption for over four years. It’s definitely a “God Thing.” The past four years have been full of blessings, trials, tribulations, but most importantly maturity in our spiritual lives.
God started calling us to adopt several years ago, but we kept using the excuse that adoption was just too expensive. However, God will not accept such a feeble excuse. So, we have decided to be faithful to God’s calling and trust that He will provide. Our adoption is going to cost approximately $20,000. Currently, we have paid $2,000, and another $5,500 is due. Amazingly enough, when I started telling close friends about the plans God had for our family and our financial fears, many of our friends immediately started planning ways for us to raise money. Now through July 11th we are selling T-shirts at https://www.bonfirefunds.com/fund/stout-adoption-fund/5665. Also, we are planning a silent auction, spaghetti and meatball hoagie dinner here at the church Thursday, July 25, 2013 from 4:00 – 7:30. There will be free activities for the children, and music for everyone to enjoy. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, and children 5 and under is free. Even if you can’t join us for dinner that evening please be praying for our family throughout this process. We have also started a blog http://blessbethethaithatbinds.blogspot.com and would love for you to follow our adoption journey. Thank you very much for your prayers and support.
God Bless,
Mike & Stephanie Stout