Nearly half a million children remain trapped in America’s foster care system with not a single family seeking to adopt them as their own.
But for those with special needs, the odds of being adopted are even lower. People are far less likely to adopt a child who has a known disability, especially with the increased expenses and difficulties they would need to take on.
But one Christian family decided to take a bold stance and say “not on our watch!” In fact, you won’t believe how this family is shattering the stereotypes surrounding children with special needs.
The Martin family not only adopted one child with special needs, they adopted nine!
And now nine children with special needs, formerly abandoned in the foster care system, have a home.
Critics may say this family is crazy. After all, who would willingly choose to adopt nine children with special needs? While being a parent already has so many challenges, caring for children with special needs takes it to a whole other level.
From countless doctor appointments to having to purchase adaptive equipment, there is a lot that goes into raising a child with special needs.
This is why many doctors often heartlessly encourage pregnant women who are carrying a baby with special needs to have an abortion. And those babies who do make it out of the womb alive are often viewed as a “burden” and placed directly into foster care or a group home.
But the love of Christ compelled this Christian family to take action. And according to the Martin family, the decision to adopt special needs orphans was simple.
Live Action reports:
“We knew that it was our responsibility. We are Christians, and as such we are commanded to care for orphans. The Bible is replete with laws and mandates designed to protect and provide for the fatherless. Caring for them is not optional.”
Sean and Jill Martin are a bold example of love in action.
They are taking their faith and applying it in real time.
And because of their selfless heart, nine children with special needs have been given the opportunity to thrive and have a new chance at life.
While society may look on in astonishment and awe at how this family could make such a sacrifice, Sean Martin doesn’t think he is doing anything special, or unique.
According to Sean, every Christian has the same power in Christ to be obedient to the Lord’s commands and fulfill the ministry to which God has called them.
Even more so, the Martins believe that Scripture makes it clear that it’s the responsibility of Christians, not the government, to protect and care for children less fortunate.
Live Action continues:
“My wife and I are not some special saints blessed with some extra grace that others have not received. We are two sinful and broken yet gloriously redeemed people who have, by the grace of God, tried to be obedient to the call on our lives.
One of our constant prayers is that the church in America would rise up and lead on this issue. We need to stop depending on the government to solve this problem. It is not the government that was commanded by the Creator of all of these children to protect and care for them; rather, that is the Church’s calling.
This is our job, and we need to take it more seriously if we ever expect the world to take us and the gospel more seriously.”
The Martins are correct. As Christians, we are called to care for orphans, (Isaiah 1:17). Jesus was clear that those of us who care for the least of these are directly serving Him, (Matthew 25:40).
And even if the world doesn’t understand or thinks it’s “crazy” to willingly take on such a tremendous responsibility, we are commanded to do so all the more.
As Christians, our actions should look radical to the world. We are not called to blend in or assimilate to the world’s standards.
The Martin family is dedicated to loving these children and obeying the teachings of Christ no matter what the world may say or think.
We should all be inspired from the Martins example of living through true faith.
True faith is not just hearing the Truth and believing in it, but actually applying it.
The Martin family is a shining illustration of what God can do when an ordinary family who simply loves Jesus chooses to obey and follow Him, no matter the cost.
What are your thoughts on the Martin family’s decision to adopt nine children with special needs?
Do you agree it is the responsibility of Christians to care for children, instead of the government?
Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
