We are the Johnson family, and we are excited to announce that we are adopting a child from India! My husband, Nathan, and I have been married for almost eight years, and we have two beautiful daughters, Audrey (5) and Amelia (almost 4). I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I knew I needed to ask Nathan his thoughts on adoption or even why I brought it up, other than the Lord’s prompting. However, I do remember it was when my ladies’ Bible study was reading through the book Radical by David Platt. I distinctly remember discussing adoption with Nathan and praying over it. Then, that very same evening, our Bible study went through the chapter “How Much Is Enough?” It was July 2023. My mind was blown, and I knew God was showing me exactly what we needed to do.
I had already looked into what it would take and how much it would cost. I knew we had been blessed with more than we needed, and I knew this was God telling me to do something radical for Him and His glory.
We officially applied to our adoption agency in November 2023, and fast forward to October 2024—here we are. We have 90% of our international home study complete. We are praying that God’s glory will be shown through this, and we are trusting that He will provide every step of the way. We are surrendering to the call, knowing that there is a child on the other side of the world that we are already specifically praying for. A child for whom I am begging for God’s blessing, grace, and protection—now and for every day in the future. A child who, I pray, will know:
“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.” (Galatians 4:4-7)
We humbly ask for prayers as we continue this journey. It has been, at times, agonizing knowing this process can take 2-3 years before we meet our child, but we trust that it will be well worth the wait. International adoption to India averages between $35,000 -$45,000, and through the Lifesong for Orphans, we have received a $6,000 matching grant to defray the cost. This means for every dollar donated, Lifesong will also donate one dollar up to $6,000. Thank you to Lifesong, and thank you to our friends and family who have supported us so far and continue to support us on this journey. We love you!
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 “Johnson 10995”, 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