The message was clear and unapologetic: every child is precious in God’s sight.
But the heart of the Chosen Conference, held April 13 at Prestonwood Baptist Church, Plano, aimed to not only proclaim that truth, but mobilize followers of Christ to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable and forgotten children. Figures cited throughout the conference paint an urgent picture: more than 400,000 children are in the foster care system in America and 100,000 are awaiting adoption. Each year, 20,000 children age out of the foster system without having been matched with a family.
The church also later aired a preview of the pro-adoption film Possum Trot, based on the true story of a small East Texas church whose members adopted 77 children from the Texas system. The film is due in theaters July 4.
‘Adoption has made our family what it is’
Among special guests during the conference were Sadie Robertson Huff and her mother, Korie Robertson — from the popular reality TV show Duck Dynasty — who discussed how adoption has impacted their family. They were interviewed by Tasha Calvert, Prestonwood women’s minister.
“Adoption has made our family what it is. … We love a big family,” Korie said of the six children she shares with her husband, Willie. Three of the Robertson children are adopted.
“It’s not exactly what we had planned … it’s not necessarily easier, but it’s better because God calls us to this abundant life,” Korie said. She also noted that younger generations seem increasingly open to adopting children.
Looking ahead
Sadie, the mother of two young children, added that she and her husband were considering adoption in the future.
“As the church we do have a responsibility for adoption,” Sadie added. “The church is expected to take in the children that need help … the place that takes in the orphans and cares for those” like a hospital caring for its community.
“I’ve gotten to see my family do that and I’ve been so grateful,” Sadie said, later reminding the audience that Christians have all “been adopted into God’s family through the blood of Christ and we get to share in the same family [eternally].”
Korie praised the help of her church and family in her journey as an adoptive parent. “Find that. That is what the church is meant to be,” she said. “And if it’s not there, start it.”
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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Texan staff and originally published by the Southern Baptist Texan.
