Adopting a child with Down Syndrome has always been something the Simmons family has discussed and desired. Megan is a former special education teacher and volunteer with various organizations that assisted and served children and adults with special needs. She has always had an affinity for people with Down Syndrome and her love for such children is rather contagious. It wasn't long for Zach to share Megan's desire. Zach and Megan have spent 12 years talking about adopting a child with Down Syndrome and feel led to this opportunity so that our three biological children and our adopted child might grow up together and they're excited about the prospect!
We particularly appreciate this opportunity to bring glory to Jesus Christ, through whom we are adopted as sons and daughters of the Living God. We also hope this to be an outlet through which we're able to bring attention to a much needed and worthwhile ministry, putting to practice the words of James 1. We have been burdened by the data concerning vulnerable children around the world and it's heartbreaking and wicked conclusions. Realizing we can't do everything to alleviate the plight of the vulnerable around the world, we do desire to do something, and we hope this to be pleasing and acceptable to our Heavenly Father.
We were fortunate to know a family who adopted a sweet little girl from Bulgaria some years ago and learned of the program employed in-country to help match children with Down Syndrome and adoptive families. We were excited to be reminded of this program through Lifeline Children's Services and we are currently enrolled in the Bulgaria program. We hope to finish our homestudy in the near future and, pending approval, move forward with our adoption journey. We're very grateful to have been blessed with a matching grant of $5,000.00 through Lifesong for Orphans. Our kitchen table, where we eat most of our meals and do our family devotions, has one open chair and our prayer is that the Lord would make the way clear to add to our family and fill that seat with a child with Down Syndrome from Bulgaria. Would you help us bring this child to their new home and into 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 “Simmons 10661”, 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