Dear Family and Friends,
Some of you know we have felt called by God to adopt a child into our family. We are adopting an infant (we have said we are open to twins, so that is a possibility) from the United States and have been actively writing letters and presenting expectant moms with information about our family. We wish you could see the strength we see in these moms. We could never fully understand what they are going through, but we are honored that they would even consider us. Though we do not know her or her name yet, we know God does and we are praying for her and the baby and we hope to connect with her soon. Once the baby is born, we will travel to the state where the expectant mother is living to spend time with her (if possible) and to bring baby home. That trip can take up to two weeks while the states communicate with each other to grant us permission to travel home with the baby.
What has prompted us to adopt? This has been something that has been on our hearts for almost 20 years. We have known throughout our relationship that there would be a time when we would adopt and through the last year God has made it very clear that now is the time.
The biggest challenge is not opening our hearts and home to a child (and hopefully building a relationship with their first family), but it is finding the finances to make this happen. The estimated total cost for the adoption is $50,000 to $60,000 (yes, that dollar figure shook us at first too). That’s certainly money we don’t have, but we know God is faithful and is leading us to trust Him. Honestly, it’s a little difficult to make our needs known to our friends and family but realize that God will make a way, and this is part of that journey to our little one. We want to be fully transparent and tell you that we are super blessed that Allison’s work will cover about half of the cost, and we are diligently saving money to cover these costs. We sat on this grant (out of pride) for a few months now but when Jon (and his entire team) were laid off due to the economic effects of COVID-19 God has nudged our hearts daily to type this letter. Our pride wanted us to figure out a way on our own, but HE keeps reminding us that the beauty is found when we lean on Him and when we are in community with others who want to be part of our journey. One thing we can promise is that God willing, Jon and I will pay your kindness forward.
Your friendship is appreciated, and we would like you to pray and consider helping us in one or two ways with our adoption.
1. Please pray God would love on and care for the expectant mom and baby; that God would prepare Jonathan, Lillian and I for the upcoming changes to our family; and that God will give us wisdom, discernment, and insight as we raise our children to know Jesus. Please pray this entire process will glorify God and fulfill His purposes.
2. Will you please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us cover the remaining amount needed for our adoption expenses to bring this child home? We have set a goal of $25,000, and to give us a jumpstart with raising these funds we have been awarded with a generous $3,500 matching grant from Josiah’s Adoption Fund, administered by Lifesong for Orphans. The first $3,500 we receive from your generous donations will be matched dollar for dollar up to $3,500 which would give us $7,000 to go towards our adoption. That is pretty exciting, and will go a long way towards meeting our goal. Our goal date is October 30, 2020, but funds will be accepted towards our adoption until the child is in our home and/or our adoption is complete.
If you wish to donate, please make checks payable to “Lifesong for Orphans.” In the memo, note “family account number – 8940” and “family name – Phillips” to assure it goes to the correct account. Please mail to:
Lifesong for Orphans
PO Box 9
Gridley, IL 61744
Lifesong has been blessed with a partner that underwrites all U.S. administrative and fund-raising costs. That means 100% of your donation will go directly to the adoption.
Another option is to give online:
Click the red “Donate Now” button on this page.
In following IRS guidelines, your donation is to the named non-profit organization. This organization retains full discretion over its use but intends to honor the donor’s suggested use. 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. Lifesong is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization.
Thank you coming along side our family during this time! We appreciate your support of our family more than we could ever fully express. We cannot wait to send you updates on our journey as we move forward.
Family Name: Phillips
Family Account Number: 8940
Love,
Jonathan & Allison Phillips
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 “Phillips 08940”, 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.