TWENTY YEARS & COUNTING

Some 20-plus years ago, as they welcomed their daughter Shaoey into their family through the miracle of adoption, Show Hope Founders Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman longed to help other families, who had placed their faith in Jesus, welcome home their children as well. Then, that dream looked like serving just 100 families, yet “many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the L ord that will stand” (Proverbs 19:21).

Today, Show Hope’s cornerstone Adoption Aid grants reach deep to impact thousands upon thousands of children and families—both directly and indirectly, beyond the Chapmans’ wildest dreams. In an effort to further reduce barriers to adoption, Show Hope created the online resource HowToAdopt.org, where individuals, parents, and families are met with practical guidance, answers, and insight on the adoption process. Whether you are simply curious about adoption, are in the midst of it, or find yourself on the other side of adoption finalization, HowToAdopt.org will equip you with the tools necessary to navigate the journey, beginning with the very first steps.

In this past year alone, Show Hope’s work in reducing barriers to adoption has reached the countries of Ukraine, Uganda, and China, with roots all tracing back to our Adoption Aid work. In regard to the yearlong war in Ukraine, Show Hope has had the privilege of playing a part in a story that is bringing hope and healing to children, parents, caregivers, and families. Through the prayer, support, and generosity of our faithful donors, we have been able to donate more than $100,000 to on-the-ground relief efforts in partnership with A Family for Every Orphan, a faith-based organization that helps children who have been orphaned find care in safe and loving families in their home countries.

Last summer, Show Hope also partnered with BEB (Both Ends Believing), another like-minded ministry, and has the privilege of helping Ugandan children come home to families in their home country.

“Show Hope is honored to partner with BEB in directly impacting children and families in Uganda,” Executive Director Kristin Parks shared. “Historically, our Adoption Aid grants have primarily impacted families within the U.S., who are adopting domestically and internationally, so this partnership is a significant step for us in expanding our mission of reducing barriers to adoption.”

Although the international adoption process has been stalled with the country of China for more than three years now, hope and help are still not lost. As families continue to wait, inevitable costs arise, from renewed home studies to the refiling of paperwork. In February of this year, Show Hope was able to award a $60,000 grant to Lifeline Children’s Services (Lifeline) in support of families who are a part of their China program—some of whom are a part of our Adoption Aid grant work.

“To be able to answer the call from Lifeline is such a gift to us! As many of you know, China holds a special place in our hearts, as the homeland of our three beautiful daughters” Mary Beth shared. “Through this financial support, we are locking arms with others, ensuring families within Lifeline’s China program will not assume additional costs as they continue to wait patiently for their children to come home.”

As Show Hope looks to the future, we do so with eyes wide open and full of hope. The barriers to adoption are only increasing, yet it was God who took the original vision of 100 children and families and multiplied it to include more than 8,400. He is the same God now as then, and we continue to place our trust in him.