The Robinson's church story

Earl and Rebecca Robinson's church tells us about their experience of welcoming their adoptive daughters.

When our church leaders decided to go through the adoption process we, as a church, had no idea the impact that would have on the whole community – how we would grow, both numerically, and in learning about prayer.

At first they wanted to adopt from their own country, however after overcoming many difficulties, that wasn’t to be. We were all disappointed, yet we believed their adoption journey was not yet over. Sure enough, after making their living here more permanent with a ‘residency permit’, they were able to apply to a British agency after another couple in the church had been successful with this particular group. At this point it was as if they were walking ahead and we fell in behind them, some very close, some like a ‘rear guard’, but all with a heart to support. When it was appropriate, they would share about upcoming appointments and interviews, and the church would join in prayer, learning as we did, that God is faithful and that adoption is at the heart of the gospel. It was as if we were a living demonstration of His desire to adopt us as sons and daughters. We saw that “God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Eph 3 v20-21).

After many months of waiting expectantly the opportunity came for us as a church to receive some training/preparation for the upcoming adoption. PACT, the adoption agency, conducted a ‘friends and family’ day. It was extremely helpful and made it clear how we could actively support the new parents when the children finally arrived. Some folks have naturally been more closely involved on a day-to-day basis, even becoming as surrogate grandparents! But we have all been involved in continuing to support in prayer.

As I mentioned at the beginning, the church has grown - in every age group - even families with the same age children! So the children have ready-made friends when the church family meets. And as a church we look forward to “running with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12 v 1b).

PACT is part of Home for Good's pathway to adoption.

You can read Earl and Rebecca’s story of adoption here.