The Salyers’ Adoption Testimony
Jessica and I (Jonah) met in the Spring of 2015 and were married just over a year later on November 20th, 2016. In those early months, I distinctly remember thinking to myself about what an excellent mother my future wife would be. A couple of years into marriage, we decided to forgo any forms of birth control and give God full reigns in our family-building story. At least, we tried. For years, we actively tried to get pregnant, pursuing help from doctors and praying ceaselessly for a child of our own. Many thousands of dollars, many tears, and many disappointing tests later and we were forced to come to the conclusion that this door was closed to us.
Adoption lived on in the back of our minds, but, at least for me, it remained a last resort. I thought, “once we have a couple of our own, then maybe.” I never thought of adoption as a serious option much less view it as the blessing that it could be. I prayed for God to open the door for a biological child, but, as the only option that remained to us was IVF, it was clear that continuing down that path would have been (for our family at least) a denial of what God was so clearly showing us.
My lovely wife is far more tender-hearted than I am, and she never needed convincing that adopting a child is just as much of an opportunity to grow our family as the ‘normal’ way. For me, however, it has taken much work on the part of the Holy Spirit to bring me around. This is precisely why I believe God has so strategically denied me the thing that I have longed for more than any other for so long. The Lord knew, even if I didn’t, that, in my heart, I was not ready to be a father. He has had to deal aggressively with my selfishness, my pride, and my presumption. I have managed to get in his way every step of the way, but he has successfully given me his own heart and mind for the weak and downtrodden. Only now do I see adoption as more than a ministry for ‘other’ families or as a last resort. I’m not worried about my lineage; now I worry for each of the fatherless children in the world to whom I could be some comfort.
Unsurprisingly, God has prepared a spectacular blessing for our family; he only needed my surrender. Early in the process with Lifeline, we were introduced to a 7-year-old boy from Hungary. We’ve seen only two photos and a short summary, but, if God wills it, he is our son. Our affection and love for this boy is so much more than we could have imagined without meeting him. We are now pursuing him with everything we have, and this pursuit is where we are now. We await the blessing of God in eager anticipation.
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 “Salyers 12356”, 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.
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