With a new year comes new opportunities to do things we’ve always wanted to do but never done.

If you’re in the habit of writing New Year’s Resolutions, consider adding some or all of these to your list.

1. Sponsor a child.

Christian-based child sponsorship has incredible potential to change a child’s entire life and eternal future. By sponsoring a child, you have the opportunity to help someone overcome poverty–which in turn can save future generations the heartache of family disruption and other devastating loss. Better still, with Christian programs, children are taught the truth about God and the fact that Jesus loves them. Many monthly sponsorship programs cost the equivalent of one trip out to dinner with the family, yet the long-term benefits are enormous. Learn more.

2. Take a foster care class.

For many of us, our hearts have been stirred for the foster care community but we don’t know where to begin. The scariest part of fostering is the unknown–which is essentially all of it before taking the first step. Consider this: Taking foster care classes doesn’t commit you to anything. Make 2018 the year you add “Take a class!” to your resolutions and decide whether or not it’s right for you. Go online and research local foster care licensing classes (free of charge!) and sign up for one in your area. Learn more from The Forgotten Initiative, our foster care ministry.

3. Organize a fundraiser.

Whether you know of a family who is pursuing adoption or you want to raise funds for a particular orphan care program–money is necessary to take the love of Christ to children in need. You could have a major impact on the life of a child (or children) by hosting a lemonade stand, silent auction, or any number of creative ideas whose chief end is to put children into safe and loving homes. (Here are 4 Simple Steps to Successful Adoption Fundraising.)

4. Begin the adoption process.

Adoption isn’t for everyone, but it is for some. Is this the year you are meant to take the first step toward bringing a child into your family? If so, add it to your resolutions and we will do whatever we can to encourage you along the way. Start here for more information.

5. Commit to pray daily.

Agreeing to pray about a need can feel like a passive response instead of doing something about it, yet the Bible communicates that prayer is the most important thing we can do. The only time prayer becomes apathetic is if we promise to do it and then never follow through. Praying daily is an awesome actionable item to add to your resolutions. You are invited to join us in our Facebook group each morning as we share requests on behalf of orphaned and vulnerable children around the world. Thank you, in advance, for taking these needs to God on their behalf.

Our prayer for you this year? … “that our God may make you worthy of His calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him …” (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)

Take the love of Christ where it is needed.

For an orphan overseas, monthly sponsorship can be the difference between life and death, bondage or freedom. And–for $34 or $68 monthly–YOU have the power to make this happen. So we invite YOU to show the love of Christ to one child today. Start a sponsorship and change a life.

SPONSOR A CHILD