This Thanksgiving, we’re reflecting on God’s goodness to bring beauty from brokenness. It’s been a theme of Lifesong from the very beginning. Isaiah proclaims in 61:3 how Christ will give—

… a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

The dream of what would become Lifesong started with a small vision. Gary and his wife, Marla, wanted to establish a family foundation to help children in need. But thanks to God and thanks to you, it has grown to mobilize many to care for orphans. Today, over 7,000 Christian families have brought their children home with the help of adoption funding, and over 8,300 children are receiving holistic, Christ-centered care daily.

Enjoy this special message to you from our founders, Gary and Marla.

Orphaned and vulnerable children often face insurmountable odds.

They experience tragedy, hardship, and trauma that many of us will never understand. Even when we reach them, we cannot erase the past, but we can help them heal. We can come alongside with counseling, mentoring, education, job skills, and family preservation efforts to give each child tools to succeed.

But we cannot do and have not done this alone. It’s through generous gifts from joyful givers like you.

You’ve provided critical care to children orphaned during the Ebola crisis and for girls as young as 12 who have been abused and become pregnant. You’ve come alongside thousands of children through prayer and monthly child sponsorship, encouraging these children that each child matters. And you’ve blessed thousands of families with generous gifts to help them bring their children home through adoption.

Each prayer, note, and gift represents the hands and feet of Jesus. We are thankful for each of these acts of kindness because it demonstrates how God brings beauty from brokenness. We praise God for you … today and every day.

This Thanksgiving we hope you enjoy your family, the fellowship, and (yes, like Gary said in the video above) the food. Enjoy what God has blessed you with and rejoice in the beauty He has brought and promises to bring to you and yours.

For families who are celebrating Thanksgiving with an empty seat this year of someone who has gone to be with God or who are still waiting to join you as a son or daughter, we lift you in prayer.

May you feel God’s comfort this holiday season.

On behalf of each child we serve, thank you. Have a blessed Thanksgiving.