The Birth of a Mission

It all started one evening after we had put the kids down to sleep. It was a week night. I was grading papers and Jason had been unusually quiet. He finally broke the silence with the statement that he wanted to do something more. He was feeling frustrated because he couldn't figure out what it was that he needed to do. We spoke for an hour about all the options he had, but came to no plan.

Life went on as normal. He got a great review at work and a nice raise. We test drove trucks and began talks of finishing our basement. Roughly a month after our conversation, Jason was approached by some friends who were sharing some leadership in our small group at church. They asked if he'd like to help out. After agreeing, Jason fully expected to feel the sense of satisfaction that he'd found that "something" more. However, it was as if God was telling him, "That's great! But, that's not IT!"

Jason's feeling of discontent continued. I knew he was still searching when he came home from work one day and told me that he had come across the name of a man he knew on a web site for The Global Orphan Project. He'd spent many hours looking into the charity and asked me what I thought about it. I agreed to attend the annual "Big Event" with him scheduled for that very Sunday (Orphan Sunday is the second Sunday in November every year, come to find out~~and November is Adoption Month, in case you didn't know!). I was so excited to tell my Grandma Cook about our plans! She had been abandoned at an orphanage in St. Louis at the age of 5. There she lived until she married my grandfather at age 17. Her stories have always tugged at my heart and given me the desire to adopt. What a strong, honorable life she lived. I never got the chance to tell her. On the Friday before the Big Event (3 days after agreeing to attend the Big Event), my grandma lost her battle with Alzheimer's. Her death created in me both sadness and passionate willingness to action.

After attending the "Big Event," we agreed that we had finally found our passion. In fact, we committed on that evening to build a home for 8-10 children and save/raise the $15,000-20,000 needed ($5,000 to build and $40 per month per child for 3 years). We just KNEW, as evidenced by our constant tear-stained faces, that THIS WAS IT!!! We heard God's calling (okay, actually it's a command---check out the book of James) and we said "YES!" We have since found countless friends and supporters who have joined in our mission.

However, one month later (December 2nd, to be exact), God spoke again. He told us once more, "That's great! But, that's not all I have planned for you." On my way to school this Wednesday morning, my mind was in a million places. I was trying to get the girls to the sitter's and get to school a little early, for once. Of course, God showed up instead. I was waiting behind a school bus, while a mother was gently leading her daughter into the bus. The switch flipped right then and there. This was just an ordinary act of love, but it changed my life. I started thinking, "I have more love to give. I can love more children. I have room in this van and we have room in our house for more. There is NO reason we shouldn't adopt a child who needs a forever home."

I'm pretty certain the Holy Spirit was riding right next to me that morning, because I called Jason right away and here is our astounding conversation:

Me: "Jason, we need to adopt. Can you please look into it today and bring home any information you can get your hands on?

Jason: (silence)

Me: "Jason?"

Jason: (tearfully) Wendy, you will never guess what I wrote in my prayer journal this morning.

Me: "What??"

Jason: "One word. Adoption."

Me: "No, way!"

Jason: Wendy, this morning, I prayed to God that I wanted to adopt. I told Him that I needed Him to get you behind the idea so I wouldn't be afraid to move forward.

Me: (silence)

Jason: (silence)

BOTH: (awe)

That was the beginning, the very first moments of the birth of the Rust family mission. I will soon be posting our progress with both the Global Orphan Project and our adoption.

Until then, PRAISE THE LORD! Praise the Lord from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light! Praise Him, you heavens of heavens! And you waters above the Heavens! Let them praise the name of the LORD! Psalms 148:1-5

www.theglobalorphanproject.org