Serving at-risk kids and their families can be messy and difficult. Sometimes it doesn't work out the way you want it to. And you don't always know whether you've made a difference.

 

That's the way it should be, really - ministry was never supposed to be clean, easy and instantly rewarding. But we all need encouragement to keep going, and in January that's exactly what we received at LYDIA. It came disguised as twin boys named Keshaun and Kevon.

 

Keshaun and Kevon were born prematurely in November 2010 to a single mother in Chicago named Sandra. Sandra - who already had two children at home - was considering adoption because she wasn't sure she could provide the boys with the life they deserved. Safe Families stepped in temporarily placing the boys with volunteers Peter and Jennifer McAndrews while Sandra made her decision.

 

For Jennifer, her husband and six sons (ages 9 to 20 years old), this was their second Safe Families placement. "I knew our whole family would have to make sacrifices to take care of the twins, but when we signed up for Safe Families we decided just to take whatever we were given," she says. "I knew that whatever the cost, it would be worth it."

 

For the next two-and-a-half-months, Keshaun and Kevon were part of the McAndrews' family. "The babies were wonderful and we fell in love with them," Jennifer says. "Every so often Sandra would call or text me, but she never asked to see pictures or visit. I wasn't surprised when I found out she'd decided to put them up for adoption. But I was really proud of her and happy for the boys."

 

Sandra worked with an agency and quickly chose an adoptive couple, Jon and Danielle Eisenberg, who live in Chicago. Before committing to the adoption, the Eisenbergs asked to call Jennifer. "Talking to Jennifer was so reassuring and comforting," recalls Danielle. "It was wonderful to know that the boys had been so well cared for since leaving the hospital. We just think Jennifer is the most amazing person on the planet!"

 

It was an emotional moment when Jennifer met the Eisenbergs at LYDIA and handed the babies to them. She also gave them a scrapbook she'd made of the twins' first few months- as well as baby clothes, diapers and dinner. "We are in awe of Jennifer and her family, and are so grateful for them and for the Safe Families program," Danielle says.

 

This is the kind of story that has God written all over it, and a great example of how faithful Safe Families volunteers are making a difference in people's lives. The McAndrews family couldn't have known how well this story would turn out - indeed, their last placement had ended on a sad note, when the child was returned to very difficult circumstances. But they were obedient to God's call on their lives and trusted Him with the results.

 

Giving financially to LYDIA is a little bit like that. When you give, it can be a real sacrifice. You don't know exactly how the money will be spent, nor do you know who will benefit from it. But you can know this: at LYDIA we strive to be good stewards of the money God provides to us. And as we serve children and families in need, we trust God to bring the results He desires.

 

I am hoping you will make a gift today to LYDIA in the amount of $75, $100, $200 or more. Your financial support will help us keep pace with the ministry's dramatic growth. We offer two giving options for your convenience: You can write a check to LYDIA and send it to us (4300 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60641), or click here to visit our secure web site. 

 

Also, we are seeking donors who will support LYDIA with a monthly donation via electronic transfer in the amount of their choice. We offer this option as a convenience to our donors, and also to provide the ministry with a steady source of donor income. Click here to sign up for monthly automated giving.

 

Your generosity helps LYDIA remain strong for the people we serve. After all, it is programs like Safe Families, the Residential Treatment Center and LYDIA Urban Academy that are helping many children and their families experience hope and a brighter future.  

 

Which brings us back to the Eisenberg twins who, along with their new lives, have new first names: Solomon and Levi. Danielle says the boys are thriving, and she is eager to bring them to the McAndrews' home for a visit. Jennifer can't wait. "I still think about the boys every day and our whole family misses them," Jennifer says. "This was an incredibly beautiful experience and I am so glad we were part of it. I wish all Safe Families stories could have such a happy ending."

 

Perhaps they can't all end so well. But with your help, LYDIA is bringing joy and a new beginning to many children and families who were once without hope. Thank you for being part of God's work through LYDIA!  

 

Sincerely,

 

Dr. David Anderson

Executive Director