God placed international adoption on Joe’s and my heart when we started dating over 20 years ago. We believe that we have been adopted by Christ. We were once lost in sin but Jesus paid the ultimate price with His own life to give us a new life and identity in Him. We did nothing to deserve the love, grace, and eternal life that Jesus has given us. It is a free gift. Because of Jesus’ death on the cross, we are a new creation and are God’s child. We have experienced the infinite love that Christ has poured out for us, therefore, we desire to give unconditional love to a child through adoption.
Although, Joe and I have been blessed with four biological children, the stirring to adopt has never left us. We took a year to pray together for God to reveal His adoption plan for our family. After much prayer, discussion, and research, God lead Joe and I to adopt.
Our family began the adoption process in the country of India in 2019. After a few roadblocks in the India program, we felt called to move to the China program in February of 2020. Once again, a hurdle was put into our adoption journey when Covid-19 closed down both China and America.
Although we have faced many challenges, we have chosen at every point in our adoption journey to stand, believing what Romans 8:28 says: we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him and are called according to His purpose.
In June of 2022, after waiting in the closed China program for 2 and half years, we made another change to adopt from Colombia, South America. This was a difficult decision but one that we covered in prayer.
In February of 2024, we submitted a Letter of Intent to adopt a sweet 19 month old boy. We received the wonderful news on May 31, 2024 that we were officially matched with him. Our family cannot wait to travel to bring him home. We hope to travel to South America in September or October of 2024 to bring him home.
We never imagined that our adoption process would take over 5 years to complete when we first began. However, God has been with our family every step of the way. He has taught us to trust His perfect timing and has grown our faith in new ways. Years ago, we in faith asked God to write this story so that He would receive the most glory and we believe that He is.
The Lord has called our family to make room for one more child so that there will be one less orphaned child in the world. We are so excited to watch as God writes His story in our family.
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 “Shaffer 08808”, to ensure it is credited to our account. Please mail to Lifesong for Orphans, PO Box 40, 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.
