"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this:
to visit orphans and widows in their trouble." ~ James 1:27
How do you think we can best live out this verse (and its context) within the church with our sisters in Christ and the fatherless children? I know that words are not enough, rather actions will ultimately show our true heart. I can not say "Be warmed and filled" or expect a woman to adequately fulfill the role of mother and father to their children, especially when I have the ability to do more than speak, but act. God has granted me a wonderful wife who helps me see the needs of others, who sacrifices herself for the sake of others. I am so blessed!
What of those multitudes of children in our churches who are fatherless due to "deadbeat dad syndrome"? Are they our "orphans" too? I believe they are as the word more commonly used in other passages is actually "fatherless" and I am ready to do my part to help. Are these children supposed to pay for their mother's or father's past sins? Should the past promiscuity of a woman who has now come to Christ continue to keep her outside the protection and leadership of a godly man in marriage? Will men stand up and seek to help our sisters even though it is a difficult task? Will a brave man among us stand up and marry a single mother and help raise her children as his own with love and integrity?
Do single mothers recognize that raising children on their own, while necessary at times, is not usually the best thing for their children? Do we see the God given call of men to lovingly lead and nurture women and children in the grace of God in Christ? Men of God, rise up and be counted, love and protect your sisters in gentleness and purity. Women of faith, will you submit to the leadership of a godly man as to Christ Himself? Do you think there are no such men in the church? I believe there are such men, though many don't see the immense need!
My heart is burdened tonight, and Sara and I have a passionate desire to help ease the burdens of our sisters in Christ who labor night and day to make a living and raise children by themselves, and we pray that God will make clear His will for what we can do as we are not satisfied to merely talk. We would like to help, but don't know where to start. We encourage unmarried ladies also to consider marrying a man with a child, as this is how our family began. My first marriage ended in divorce, and I was a single father for 5 years. Sara had the courage to step into our lives and become the mother my son needed, and God has blessed us with 4 more children since. We see the blessings of the Lord that come from this selfless sacrifice, and you know what? It doesn't feel like sacrifice when you realize the love of a child, the bonds of family, and how good it feels to obey our Father's commands.
Please feel free to email us if you are involved in or interested in such a ministry. Our desire is to glorify our Savior by living out the love He has given to us for sharing. I believe this is a critical part of loving our neighbor as ourselves. Thanks for listening, we appreciate your insights and prayer. Confidential emails will be kept private, so please let us know if you would like us to share your suggestions with others.
Do single mothers recognize that raising children on their own, while necessary at times, is not usually the best thing for their children? Do we see the God given call of men to lovingly lead and nurture women and children in the grace of God in Christ? Men of God, rise up and be counted, love and protect your sisters in gentleness and purity. Women of faith, will you submit to the leadership of a godly man as to Christ Himself? Do you think there are no such men in the church? I believe there are such men, though many don't see the immense need!
My heart is burdened tonight, and Sara and I have a passionate desire to help ease the burdens of our sisters in Christ who labor night and day to make a living and raise children by themselves, and we pray that God will make clear His will for what we can do as we are not satisfied to merely talk. We would like to help, but don't know where to start. We encourage unmarried ladies also to consider marrying a man with a child, as this is how our family began. My first marriage ended in divorce, and I was a single father for 5 years. Sara had the courage to step into our lives and become the mother my son needed, and God has blessed us with 4 more children since. We see the blessings of the Lord that come from this selfless sacrifice, and you know what? It doesn't feel like sacrifice when you realize the love of a child, the bonds of family, and how good it feels to obey our Father's commands.
Please feel free to email us if you are involved in or interested in such a ministry. Our desire is to glorify our Savior by living out the love He has given to us for sharing. I believe this is a critical part of loving our neighbor as ourselves. Thanks for listening, we appreciate your insights and prayer. Confidential emails will be kept private, so please let us know if you would like us to share your suggestions with others.
Mark and Sara Cowperthwaite
cowperthwaitefamily@gmail.com
