There are over 143,000,000 orphans in the world.

Every 13 seconds, another child is orphaned in Africa due to AIDS.

There are 118,000 children waiting to be adopted in the United States foster care system alone.

The numbers are staggering. But, at BattleCreek, we cling to the promise God gives in Jeremiah 29:11. It says, “I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

We claim this promise for the millions of unwanted children around the world. How do you fit into God’s plan for orphans around the world?

At BattleCreek, we are actively advocating God’s heart for orphans through adoption, foster care, and international orphan care.

Caring for orphans through adoption is normal… according to the word of God. We ought to be cheering people on that choose to graft another into the family of God. Our vision is to promote awareness for orphans worldwide and to create resources for local churches to use to join us in this cause.

Our goal is to provide practical, biblical information regarding the process of adoption, foster care, and church-based orphan ministry. We want to proclaim what the Bible says about God’s heart for the fatherless and challenge believers to align their hearts with his. In addition, we should provide assistance in addressing the physical, emotional, social, developmental, and spiritual needs of the fatherless around the world.

If you want more information on how you can get involved or just to lean more about our partnership, contact Dean Johnson.

In the spring of 2009, The Church At BattleCreek entered into a partnership with the Laura Dester Shelter in Tulsa.

“We put our plans to enter into another building construction phase on hold because we thought our money could be better spent doing things in the community like this,” said Alex Himaya. “We want to be Jesus to our community, and this is an unbelievable way to do it.”

The Laura Dester Shelter takes children – ranging in age from newborn to teenagers – that have have recently been orphaned – whether through jail, death, or other circumstances – and cares for them until they can be placed with other family or enter into the foster care system. The children could be there as little as an evening or as long as several weeks.

BattleCreek has made the decision that we need to be love in these children’s lives. And, in partnership with the shelter, we are able to mentor, spend time with, and love on them in a time when they don’t feel loved or valued

If you want more information on how you can get involved or just to lean more about our partnership, contact Dean Johnson.

Coming soon!

Use links below to download DHS holiday hosting documents.

DHS Background Check Doc

Holiday Hosting Letter

Alternate Care Giver Reference Letter

Use links below to download adoption resource documents.

International Orphan Care Powerpoint

Adoption Community Group Week 1

Orphan and Vulnerable Children Care

Volunteer Opportunities for Adopt-ED