We have recently embarked upon a new step of faith with the Lord in seeking to add to our family through international adoption from Colombia. We are working with Lifeline Children’s Services to bring our child home. We both expressed to one another a desire to adopt even before we were married, but after experiencing the joy of parenting Peter, we knew we needed to take the steps for adoption now, as they can be long and arduous.
The reality that we have been adopted by our heavenly Father is quite shocking, as we both had seasons of rebellion and wandering from the Lord in our lives. We pursued the ways of the world, suppressed the truth of God’s Word that chiseled at our consciences, and ran as far away from God as we could, hoping to find comfort in anything but Him. In His great mercy, He led each of us to our deep, dark pit. How we each got there was different, but the pit is nevertheless the same. Yet He did not leave us there. He came to us and adopted us into His family, that we would be called children of God.
Reflecting upon those seasons brings both of us to tears because it is clear that we did not seek the Lord. He sought after us and loved us enough to rescue us from darkness that we chose to live in. His rescuing would have been enough of a mercy, but to know that we were rescued and then adopted is unbelievable. He not only gave us His Spirit to cleanse us and give us hearts of flesh to desire to walk in His ways, but He gave us His Spirit, giving voice to our hearts to cry “Abba! Father!” as adopted sons and daughters of the King of kings. We have been given new life, and in this new life, we desire to show the love of adoption to our future child so that we can show them the love of the Father through Jesus Christ.
Our family has unique giftings that we feel can serve a child from Colombia specifically. Luis is the Hispanic pastor at Briarwood Presbyterian Church, and because of his role and his family of origin, much of our life is spent in a Hispanic context. A child from Colombia would be brought to America but would have the unique opportunity to still be exposed to a Latin American culture. Amanda is a licensed physical therapist and sees that the education and skills she has will be of great service to a child that has physical needs. We feel certain that the Lord has given us these unique gifts to care for a child in need from Colombia. We pray daily for the child that Lord has already chosen for us and are eager for the opportunity to bring that child into our family and home.
The decision to adopt was honestly not a hard one for us; however, we know that the journey ahead will be. Adoption comes with many challenges, costs, and unknowns. Because of this, we humbly ask for your support in prayer, finances, and welcoming our child into our community:
Prayer:
1. Pray for our child in Colombia. We do not know exactly who our child is yet, but our child is most likely already alive and living with various special needs. Please pray they are being cared for and that we would be able to bring them home as soon as the Lord wills.
2. Pray for our family as we navigate the various legal requirements to move forward with the adoption, and for the diplomatic relationship between the US and Colombia.
3. Pray for our family as we prepare our hearts to bring a new child into our home and for our ability to care for the child’s special needs.
4. Pray that the Lord would be glorified throughout this entire process. Pray that many would come to know Him and His love through this adoption.
Finances:
· Our total adoption costs will be approximately $42,000. These costs include Lifeline agency fees, home study fees, US governing fees, Colombian program services, and travel expenses for our 4-5 week stay in Colombia when bringing our child home.
· We have been able to partner with a very generous ministry called Lifesong for Orphans and they have committed an adoption matching grant of $6,000 to go towards our adoption.
Most importantly, we long for this child to know Jesus and to be transformed by the Gospel. We pray this child will be a disciple of Christ and a servant of His Church. Please join us in praying for this as well!
In Christ,
Luis, Amanda, and Peter León
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 “Leon 11654”, 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