Cause # 3: Reece's Rainbow

Reece's Rainbow is an organization that I have been impressed with before and now have come across again.

Let me tell you. I have loved the idea of adoption since I was a little girl.

Back then, it was a romantic notion. You'd just pick up an unloved child and take them home, to live happily ever after.

I've since learned quite a bit about the cost - both materially and emotionally. And I'd feel blessed if I was ever able to adopt a child. I think if I adopted I wouldn't sign up to be on one of the crazy waiting lists for a 'normal' child (not that there's anything wrong with that.) But I'd rather give an opportunity for love & a family to a child who would have no opportunity otherwise. Such are the children on Reece's Rainbow.

I don't know if I would be a strong enough person to adopt one of these children listed on Reece's Rainbow. A decision like that would mean many hours in prayer. I certainly would also have to be financially stable first - these children come with medical and developmental needs that 'just' love can't address. It wouldn't be fair to adopt without those sorts of means too (and it probably wouldn't be allowed.)

What definitely saddens my heart: that there are SO MANY children who aren't accepted by their families because of their condition, whatever it might be. And then, when an adoptive family doesn't come along, they are placed into institutions where they are often not encouraged to improve. I've looked into those institutions. There are some good ones out there. But mostly, children with disabilities are sent there, and without love and care, their health fades and they die. It reminds me of the institutions that used to be in our country - for any child born with a mental or physical handicap.

We are blessed to live in a country where those with Down's syndrome are well supported. It's support that has been fought for by parents who refused to give up on their children, no matter their situation. It's support that's been won after seeing the conditions in many of the institutions that used to exist.

Of course, in Canada there are also many children aborted because of suspected conditions such as Down's. We can't forget that. It seems there are so many battles to fight, so that loving children can have a loving family.

Reece's Rainbow gives an opportunity to help. It creates awareness, but also helps to raise funds for families with the strength & courage to adopt one of these special kids. You can donate to the 'adoption fund" for a particular child and check out the other options they give for support.

Prayer is always key. It has a power beyond anything that money can do.

The hope that God gives, for us and these special little ones, is incredible. The struggles we face here are so brief compared to the eternity we'll spend in a place with no more sorrows and no more tears, where our bodies will be made perfect - as our Father always intended for them to be.


Shout to the North

Men of faith rise up and sing
Of the great and glorious King
You are strong when you feel weak
In your brokeness complete

Shout to the North and the South
Sing to the East and the West
Jesus is saviour to all
Lord of heaven and earth

Rise up women of the truth
Stand and sing to broken hearts
Who can know the healing power
Of our awesome King of love

We've been through fire we've been
through rain
We've been refined by the power of his name
We've fallen deeper in love with you
You've burned the truth on our lips

Rise up church with broken wings
Fill this place with songs again
Of our God who reigns on high
By His grace again we'll fly

Written by Martin Smith ©1995 Curious? Music UK