Orphan Sunday 2011

“Orphan Sunday isn’t just a cause.  It’s about the blaze Christians create as they see and reflect God’s heart for the fatherless.  When we live out what James calls ‘pure religion’ through adoption, foster care and global orphan initiatives, the world sees the Gospel made visible like nothing else.† – Christian Alliance for Orphans President, Jedd Medefind.

On Orphan Sunday, churches and families celebrate God’s heart for the fatherless and how Christians can respond.  Locally-organized events last year ranged from sermons on how adoption reflects the Gospel story to fundraisers, community-wide rallies, concerts and prayer gatherings.  A coalition of more than 100 national organizations led by Christian Alliance for Orphans have joined forces to help spur engagement by churches.

The website www.OrphanSunday.org serves as a hub for the campaign, offering event ideas, downloadable posters, bulletin inserts, videos and other free resources that can be used to hold local events.  Families and churches can also participate in “The Orphan’s Table†by ordering a simple orphan meal package and discussion guide.  The site also contains a map highlighting events worldwide as they are scheduled.

In addition, individuals and churches from around the world will be able to join together in the “LIVE from Kansas City†webcast at 6:00 PM CT for an hour of guided prayer and worship for the fatherless.

There are roughly 420,000 children in the foster care system in the U.S. today, with nearly 120,000 waiting to be adopted.  Globally, an estimated 18.3 million children have lost both parents.  The Orphan Sunday campaign seeks to make Christian families and churches the answer to these needs.