Hi! We’re Johnny and Kristen — a family from Central Alabama with four amazing kids: two daughters and two sons. For more than a decade, adoption has been rooted deeply in our hearts. It’s something we’ve prayed over, talked about, and quietly felt God leading us toward for years.
We actually met on a missions trip to Peru 18 years ago. From the beginning, we shared a heart for ministry and were especially drawn to the children we met there. We both still remember the spark in each other’s eyes as we played with those kids in the mountains of Peru. When we returned home, we began dating immediately — and three years later, we were married.
We always dreamed of a big family and felt called to adoption. After having our two daughters, we began meeting with adoption agencies. But at just 25 years old, we quickly discovered that many programs required us to be at least 30. So instead of adopting at that time, we said yes to God in a different way: by fostering.
Over two years, we welcomed 11 foster children into our home, always ready to provide a permanent family if the opportunity came. When adoption never presented itself, we wondered if our calling had simply been to foster care instead. We gently set aside the idea of adoption — even though our hearts longed for it — and welcomed two more biological children, our boys.
Fast-forward ten years. Adoption felt like something from our past… until God made it undeniably clear to both of us, on the same Sunday morning in August 2025, that He was calling us to pursue it again. All we needed to do was say yes.
So we did. We said yes to trusting that God will provide the child(ren), the finances, and the support system. He has never failed us before, and we know He won’t fail us now.
Within just a few months, that “yes” led us here — to a Hong Kong adoption program through an adoption agency in Birmingham, AL. And now we are joyfully taking the next steps of this journey with God.
As we walk this path, our hearts are full of hope and gratitude for what’s ahead. International adoption is beautiful, but it’s also incredibly expensive. Between agency fees, legal documents, travel, and home study requirements, the total cost is estimated at $30,000–$40,000. We’re doing everything we can to cover as much as possible, but we’ve realized we can’t do this alone. We've been so greatly blessed with a $7,000 matching grant, thanks to the generosity of Colonial Baptist Church. This means any donation you give here will be matched, up to $7,000.
If you feel led to give, every dollar goes directly toward the expenses of bringing our child(ren) home — paperwork, travel, and required government processes. More than anything, we would LOVE your prayers, encouragement, and help sharing our story.
We believe this journey is bigger than us. It’s a story of love that crosses oceans, faith that perseveres, and the incredible community helping make it possible.
Thank you for helping us take one step closer to our child(ren). ❤️
With love and gratitude,
Johnny & Kristen St John
STRIPE charges an online processing fee (2.2% +.30 USD per transaction)*. Your donations will be decreased by this amount. You may also send a check payable to “Lifesong for Orphans”. In the memo line please write “St John 11889”, to ensure it is credited to our account. Please mail to Lifesong for Orphans, PO Box 9, Gridley, IL 61744.
Lifesong has been blessed with partners who underwrite all U.S. administrative and fundraising costs (TMG Foundation and other partners). That means 100% of your donation will go directly to the adoption.
- In following IRS guidelines, your donation is to Lifesong for Orphans. This organization retains full discretion over its use, but intends to honor the donor’s suggested use.
- Lifesong is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. Individual donations of $50 or more and yearly donations totaling $250 or more will receive a tax-deductible receipt. Receipts for donations under $50 will gladly be sent upon request.
- *3.5% fee for donations given with an American Express card
