The Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO) recently marked a significant milestone, celebrating 20 years of impactful ministry during its annual summit held from September 17-20, 2024, at Brentwood Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee. This year’s event saw an impressive turnout of 2,400 supporters from 46 countries, all united by a common mission: to care for orphans and vulnerable children around the globe.
Founded in 2004 after an inspiring gathering of 29 Christian leaders in Little Rock, Arkansas, CAFO has grown tremendously. Just three years after its inception, the organization attracted 500 leaders to its summit, reflecting the increasing commitment of the Church to embrace its role in caring for orphans. As the need continues to rise, with approximately 369,000 children in the U.S. child welfare system as reported by the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System, CAFO’s mission remains more crucial than ever.
Opening the summit, CAFO President Jedd Medefind emphasized the importance of seeking God’s will beyond mere accomplishments. “God’s great interest in your life is not in what we can accomplish for Him,” he stated, reminding attendees that their spiritual growth and relationship with Christ hold paramount importance. Medeff encouraged participants to focus on becoming more like Jesus, highlighting that God desires to shape their character and hearts.
The summit also featured inspiring stories from communities dedicated to fostering and adoption. One notable testimony came from the Rev. W.C. Martin and his wife, Donna, who adopted four foster children in 1996. Their commitment sparked a wave of compassion within their church, Bennett Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, leading 22 families to adopt 77 children in total. The remarkable journey of Possum Trot, Texas, where this transformation took place, was even captured in the film “Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot,” showcasing the power of faith in action.
In addition to heartfelt discussions and testimonies, the summit introduced three new worship songs: “Faithful to Me,” “Home in the Family,” and “What’s a Father’s Like.” These songs, inspired by the personal journeys of adoption and fostering, aim to reflect God’s heart for orphans and vulnerable children. As reported by Christian Daily International, they were written by individuals who have experienced the joys and challenges of adoption firsthand.
The event also saw the release of two new books aimed at empowering parents and caregivers. “Overcoming: What Scripture and Science Say About Resilience,” authored by Dr. Nicole Wilke and Dr. Mandy Howard, offers insights into fostering resilience in children, while “Caleb Koala’s Comeback Ride: A Journey to Overcoming,” a bilingual picture book illustrated by Aixa de Lopez, provides a delightful resource for younger audiences.
In summary, the CAFO summit was a powerful reminder of the Church’s calling to care for orphans and vulnerable children. It brought together a community of believers dedicated to making a difference, inspired by stories of hope, worship, and practical resources. As the organization looks to the future, it remains committed to its mission, encouraging individuals and congregations to step forward in love and action. The journey of caring for orphans is not just a task; it’s a reflection of God’s heart and a call for every believer to engage in the lives of those who need it most.
For more information on CAFO and how you can get involved, visit their official website.