By now the excitement of Christmas is wearing off a bit and hopefully is fading into a wonderful memory for all. As we turn our attention to crossing the threshold into a new year, before we do, join me in rejoicing in what we have been able to accomplish as the body of Christ in 2011. Whether you are a donor, an adoptive parent, a volunteer, a missionary, on staff at SH, a board member, an influential voice, a partner, one of our prayer warriors, or a vendor, I am grateful for the part that you played that resulted in life change for hundreds of orphaned children (now former orphans) in our country and around the globe. Your steps of obedience to play your part as one of the cast of characters in the life story of these kids that we have been a part of strengthen us as an organization. At times, you may have felt like an “extra” or a “stand in” but the stories of change are epic and the impact is beyond us. God’s plans are bigger and better than ours and while I don’t have time to recount all the miracles of 2011, below are a few headlines to recap.

Adoption Aid: In November, we surpassed our 3,000 adoption assistant financial grant helping qualified families adopt children from over 50 countries! Wow, I remember when we hit three hundred and I thought “someday there will be an extra 0 at the end and we will hit 3,000.” Dare we dream 30,000 someday (will need your help if you have major donor capacity ☺ )
Outlook 2012: The number of applications still outpace our funding and the volume of applications are projected to be similar to this past year so join us in one of our greatest joys which is to help fund forever families.
Read more blogs about Adoption Aid >

Show Hope Special Care Centers: We launched two more special care centers in China adding more than 75 orphans with special needs to our care. Obviously another full year of care at MBHOH for over 130 orphaned children and some of the greatest miracles to recap is that it is our understanding over a dozen children (as far as we know…maybe more) have been adopted by families who have been cared for at MBHOH. That is what I call a major circle of blessing and the main thrust in our purpose of our Show Hope Special Care Centers – for children to be put in a greater position to be adopted.
Outlook 2012: Possibly a couple more care centers in the Henan province! Stay tuned.
Read more blogs about Show Hope Special Care Centers >

Pre/Post Adoption & Empowered to Connect Conferences: We are grateful to have organized two conferences in 2011 which brought roughly 1300 people including hurting families, counselors and church partners. Furthermore, we implemented FREE resources for our adoption aid applicants to educate them about some of the prospective challenges ahead of them to better equip them with this life breathing information.
Outlook 2012: more free resources for applicants, the addition of a third ETC conference and a prospective new strategic initiative for training purposes. (Stand by)
Register today for 2012 Empowered to Connect Conferences >

Short-Term Trips: Roughly 200 people from around the country and different groups step foot into MBHOH this past year. Two additional surgical teams to make it three (from 1 team the previous year) unique medical trips to provide life changing surgery for 35 orphans combined throughout the year. Additionally, we had a dental team work on our nannies and several student and donor teams bring their energy and passion to Luoyang, China!
Outlook 2012: Another full year of trips!!
Complete the 2012 trips application >

The Movement Club: Our first Movement event took place in Nashville earlier this year as the catalyst towards a dozen or so Movement Clubs in high schools being launched in the Nashville region. Various service projects were executed and we begin to move into a National Launch phase with a new website just recently going live and now other clubs being formed throughout the country. We are excited for students to go beyond themselves and separate themselves as leaders in their school and community. Students can’t adopt, but lets not underestimate their passion to care for orphans today as we invest into them to become the adoptive families of tomorrow.
Outlook 2012: Watch out College students, Show Hope is coming to a campus near you!!
View video updates from The Movement Club >

Awareness and Events: Year 2 of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella was incredible! The orphan cause was lifted on high in Nashville community through this theatrical performance with Class A Broadway actors and actresses, not to mention Class A directors, local sponsors and supporters. Nothing like a unique event to piggy back a cause!
Outlook 2012: Tickets on Sale now!

SCC Concerts: “I came to one of Steven’s concerts three years ago and as a result of that night, my wife and I have gone on to adopt three children.” – Show Hope Volunteer
Enough said! Don’t miss an SCC concert this coming year as we have seen the Lord use his voice and platform for God’s purposes. Thank you to all the 400+ volunteers
Outlook 2012: Saddle Up, SCC is at it again in February. Purchase tickets today >

Cry of the Orphan Media Blitz: Year 5. Thank you Focus on the Family, Family Life’s Hope for Orphans and our new partner, James Fund (Family Christian Stores) for another successful year. We reached over 20,000,000 impressions with our combined media voice and roughly 250,000 people viewed the “Answer the Cry” video in support of Orphan Sunday.
Outlook 2012: Discussions have begun already for next year.

Well, those were just a few headlines and we are forever grateful for your role in making life change a reality in 2011 for hundreds of orphans and as you can tell by the outlook comments for 2012, we need you to join us in the endeavors that He has called us to do moving forward.

If you are a donor considering a year end gift, or planning your giving for 2012 you are necessary; if you are prospective adoptive parent praying or contemplating adoption, you are necessary; if you are a volunteer seeking to volunteer for the orphan cause, you are necessary. To steal a line from our media blitz campaign, “You are God’s plan for the orphan.” Don’t let the enemy deceive you to think you are not!! Just like we learned in the parable of the lost sheep, for if even one comes into the family we should rejoice. Your steps of obedience TODAY, set in motion forever life change for someone tomorrow! Thank you for a joyful and adventurous 2011; may your pursuit of God and obedience to Him bear great fruit for His Kingdom in 2012.

There is a lot going on at Show Hope! Short-term trip teams are coming and going, we have festivals to participate in, events to plan, campaigns to organize and grants to decide upon just to name a few. We get a flurry of web inquiries on occasion asking us, as a team, to pray for a specific circumstance, not to mention the importance of praying for each other considering the ‘weariness’ that can transpire on the this battlefield. Organizationally, prayer is a priority for us but more so than that, it is a privilege and we take those inquiries and requests seriously.

I have often heard that those of us who labor in this field of ministry to orphans have a target on our back(s) so prayer is vital knowing our victory is in Christ Jesus and the battle is won on our knees. When I am not in our office or on the road with Steven or in China or visiting a partner, I am in my home office and connect with the team for meetings through video conferencing. (Technology is a beautiful thing!) Part of my role is to set our course as an organization and one of my favorite things to do is to set our course upward to the Lord….even through cyberspace.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12

Typically the days leading up to an anniversary of something tragic brings forth some anxiety due mainly to the anticipation of emotion that is evoked when you “remember the day.”  For the Chapmans and the Show Hope family, we find ourselves in an emotional state beyond what any of us could have anticipated because of yet another tragedy.  Donna Daniel, Show Hope’s newest board member, and her husband Dan, tragically lost their 17 year old son Michael on Wednesday evening due to a skateboarding accident.  Our heart goes out to Dan and Donna and the rest of their family. No words that we have can console what you are experiencing.

As I spoke to Mary Beth throughout the week to receive updates on Michael’s status until he went to be with Jesus, she kept referencing the scripture “comfort those experiencing any trouble with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”  (2 Corinthians 1:4)

Three years ago today, Maria Sue Chapman went to be with Jesus.  Considering I spent a number of days at Maria’s Big House of Hope a little over a week ago, I was reminded of her legacy and often thought of her.  I became more mindful of where she is now, and as a result I find myself more grateful for the work on the cross that assures us of our undeserving but rightful place in heaven.  Life is indeed a vapor and there is suffering going on around us, and even perhaps for many of you reading this blog, but the reality is we have a greater destination heavenward thanks to the ransom Christ paid for us, death on the cross.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

Over twenty medical professionals from Geisinger Medical Center set out to travel over 7,000 miles carrying over 900 pounds of supplies to help change the life of fifteen orphans in four days.  I am pleased to report that this mission was indeed accomplished. It would not be truthful if I said that it was completely smooth sailing and stress free, but considering the environment this team delivered with minimal hiccups.

There is always a story behind the story, but the truth is each team member gets to be a part of the story that is unfolding for these orphans.  One month old hydrocephalus babies with new shunts and two year old cleft babies with new smiles.  I am proud of this team for believing in a vision and investing their own time and resources to travel half way around the world to practice ‘pure religion’ (James :127).  Thanks to all who supported, followed and prayed for this team and a special thanks to my wife Kerry who stood in Joyces kitchen in China three years ago and believed that God was asking her to be an instrument to get Geisinger teams to perform at MBHOH.

God is faithful!  “The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it.”  1 Thessalonians 5:24

Ed and Judy Fannon - all smiles after a job well done

A rooftop BBQ at MBHOH

THe OR Nurse DREAM TEAM - Deb, Judy and Debra

Amir gives lecture about Hydrocephalus to the team

Ren Wu, anasthesiologist awaits his burger!

It wouldn’t be a true mission trip if it didn’t have  a curveball or two thrown our way, not to mention the emotional ups and downs like a roller coaster ride as the team leaders work through decisions in detail.  We woke up yesterday to generator noise which meant only one thing..a power outage.  The weather has been sketchy all week which was fine since the mission work was inside, but it caught us off guard needless to say as it was not something we expected.  We knew it is always a far off possibility but why now?  When would it come back on?  Would it come back on? - were the questions that immediately came to mind.  The thoughts were out of control, we only had four days to fit in every case that we could so any delay in our schedule would throw off our plan.  We felt powerless in every way imaginable.  However, it is just like God to bring to bare a moment to remind us of our limitations and how powerless we really were in our own human frailty in our own strength.  I said earlier in the week during our morning devotion time that “apart from him we could do nothing”(John 15:5) but I didn’t think it would be taught to us in a real practical way!  Without electricity, we really couldn’t do anything!  At any rate, by God’s Grace, the power came back on within 30 minutes of the first case and we barely skipped a beat.  Three more repairs are DONE and in the books.  Great job team.

“I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness.” Romans 6:19

Doug and Amir debriefing after doing a case

Jen and Ashley - outstanding PA's

Kerry and Melissa happy with progress.

Sarah and Erica are pleased with the effort

Being around Steven a lot over the last nine years, I have a front row seat to watch someone who God has gifted in writing and music. I have often said that he makes it look easy. I suppose the combination of working in your giftings and answering the call to channel those giftings “according to His good will and purpose” results in making things look easy when in fact, they are not. It also results in excellence of output or work. However, when you distill it down we can call it whatever but biblically I believe it is called “fruit of labor”. Its characteristics have the appearance of making things look easy and excellent in its output.

Friends, this Geisinger Medical team is filled with people who are excellent at what they do and they make it look easy. Today three more lives where changed with surgical repair. No details have been left unturned and it is quite impressive to witness. Even more impressive to me, however is their compassion for these kids.  This environment brings to surface the raw and authentic motivation as to why one would choose healthcare as a vocation.  It has been refreshing to listen to mealtime conversations about how much they care for these kids and observe their pursuit of them even after post op care.  It is infectious to say the least.

“Truly I tell you, whatever ou did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”  Matthew 25:40

Dale, Erica and Amir appear satisfied!

Laura focusing on the task at hand

Melissa explains situation to Nanny

First case is in the books!

First, Happy Mothers Day to all Mom’s out there not to mention my beautiful bride Kerry, the mother to my three amazing children.  You are a Proverbs 31 women “worthy of praise.”

I pray that everyone’s Mother’s Day celebration was a fulfilling day honoring mom and showering them with love, tenderness and gifts.  We, here in China, look back on how we spent our mother’s day rejoicing in a full 14 hour day of surgery delivering greater hope and a brighter future for several of the children here at MBHOH.  Although these children don’t have a mother, I couldn’t help but think that the gift of healing was given today for the future moms of these kids.  Today, a greater chance at being adopted was birthed which in the end will bring fulfillment as it says in Proverbs 13:12 “Hope deferred makes the heart sick but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” That holds true not just for the orphan, but for the one seeking to be a mom through the miracle of adoption.  It was a beautiful scene this morning as Stephan was being held by the nurse shortly after waking up and the team marked the white board – “DONE!”  It is always difficult to get that first one under your belt and they did just that in addition to three other special cases.

The team is working well together.  It is incredible how each one is playing a key role.  Early on in the recruitment phase of this project, as the number of volunteers stepping forward kept growing, there were several moments where I questioned the size of the group, but Dr. Erica McElroy, the trip leader knew each person would be critical.  Today that was proved true and I was reminded of what was said in Romans 12:4 “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, ⁵ so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”  This group is functioning as ONE making a beautiful chorus as a song of worship to our creator.

Ashley and Diane holding some "hidden treasure"

Tara and Mikey playing with kiddos

Destination MBHOH

As a former athlete, there are many things that I learned from the playing field but I was taught that in order to be excellent and win you must prepare.  Hard work in practice would produce fruitful results in the game. In fact, it was in my college years that I first learned about the “5 P’s” which is “Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.”  As the first day of execution comes to bare tomorrow for the 2011 Geisinger Medical Center mission team to Maria’s Big House of Hope the preparation and hard work to this point has been remarkable to witness, to say the least.

The team of 22 medical professionals with various skill sets endured nearly 30 hours of travel from the moment we left the Geisinger parking lot at 5:30am on May 4 with over 900 pounds of medical supplies in tow.  Today, I witnessed the unpacking, the putting away, the lectures, the organizing, the mock walk-throughs and the laying out of what the next four days will look like for the Pediatric Neurosurgeon team and Cleft Lip and Palate repair team.  The plan is ambitious, not to mention exhausting, but the excitement and anticipation is feverish.  Friends, this is a determined team who won’t settle for anything less than excellence and their preparation has been astonishing to me.

Case Walk Through

Mapping out the plan.

In the last decade, I have often cited the scripture found in James 1:27 where God describes what Pure Religion looks like – “Pure religion is this to care for orphans and widows in their distress…..”  Tomorrow this group of professionals will meet the practice of medicine with the practice of pure religion.  Lord willing the clash of the two will produce eternal fruit for many children.

Stay tuned and stay prayerful!

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthian 15:58

DeSantis lectures the group in preparation for the week

The decade prior to this one held a number of natural disasters that left significant imprints in many communities around the world.  A year ago on January 12, the current decade followed suite when the earthquake struck the country of Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the world.  Thousands were killed, thousands were left alone and thousands responded with herculean like effort to be a puzzle piece in the disaster response after math.  What took seconds to tear down a nation, will take years to rebuild.  We all prayed. My guess is that even some who don’t pray on a regular basis or who don’t know who they are praying towards exactly –  prayed. To rebuild, means to recreate the infrastructure or the foundation.  It is just as urgent to pray now as it was a year ago.  Will you do so?  While this tragedy is one of epic proportion that brought unfortunate death to so many, it also birthed many new heroes who have and are still stepping up to the plate to serve with their talents and treasures bringing life to those who feel lifeless.  “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”  Proverbs 13:12

Friends, let’s not forget.  Let’s not grow weary.  Let’s not lose hope.  Most importantly, let’s worship our maker and stand believing in full restoration according to His will and purpose for this country who has suffered tremendously.   Let’s Pray for Haiti and those who are serving to help build bridges.  Bridges to a new community, a new city and a new nation.  This Wednesday at 4pm EST, join us along with many through the Christian Alliance for Orphans Webinar or simply wherever you find yourself with some moments to be still before the Lord.  Webinar Registration Here >

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  Galations 6:9

It was one of those precious afternoons that I hope to duplicate many times over.  With a day off from work for me and school being out of session for my 8 year old son Cole (yes, even home school kids take a break even when their classroom is the same place Christmas is celebrated – the living room) we took a half day and had ‘father and son time.’  We took in a matinee, hit the bowling alley, split a steak together and then topped it off by sharing a hot chocolate.  We love our favorite women in our lives, Mom, Maya and Leah, but it was nice to not just break away and knock down some pins or plug into an entertaining movie together, but it gave us a chance to ask each other questions and engage each other without distractions.

Several times throughout the afternoon, with smiles on our faces, we were both able to acknowledge how blessed we were and how lucky we were to have each other. The sober reality is that many children are without parents and a ‘father-son day’ is a distant hope and dream for them.  I look back on the year and rejoice for our partners, supporters and adoptive families as to what we have enabled for hundreds of orphans worldwide who made their way into forever families this year – hopefully countless new father and son days like the one I enjoyed or at least in days to come.  I look ahead into the New Year with eager anticipation of what God might do through each of us playing our roles as He has ordained.  Thank you to those who have made a financial contribution to Show Hope and thank you, in advance for those considering one.  For those considering one, right now, before the end of the year, it is never too late.  A decision you will make today, will set in motion significant life change for orphans in the near future as we purpose ourselves as a tribe of His people to meet the greatest need of an orphan, a forever family!

Click here for year end donation.

“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.”  Psalm 68:5