To begin, I would like to thank you for your prayers, cards, calls memorial contributions and general support during my father's illness and subsequent passing. Your patience and understanding  have meant a great deal during this difficult and emotionally draining time. It is such a blessing to have so many friends praying for our family and I thank each of you.

 

 

UNICEF, as well as sensational and irresponsible journalism, has perpetuated the lie that adoption is primarily the result of "demand" by Westerners. If this were true then there should be few if any children in institutional care in the many countries where adoption is not an option. However, even UNICEF's own numbers confirm the large population of institutionalized children. Once a country is successfully shut down for international adoption, UNICEF quietly moves on not assisting in the care of the children left behind in the wake of their "scandal mongering". And the journalists so willing to point accusatory fingers are long gone, not bothering to offer follow up reporting on the state of the country's children for whom adoption is no longer an option. This is an outrage as it is leading to ABUSE of children.

Institutionalizing children is abuse. According to Dana Johnson, MD, an International Adoption Medical Specialist and Researcher, it is sentencing a child's brain to DIE! International adoption has never been a viable solution for the majority of children in need of families - it is much like the Starfish story whereby a difference is made to "this one". Unfortunately, reaching "this one" is becoming increasingly difficult. As a Christian community we MUST stand up for the children who have no voice. We must continue to support humanitarian projects that strengthen communities and families, thereby decreasing the number of children coming into care. We must do a much better job of exposing the truth and garnering media and legislative attention to the plight of children without family care. We must become outraged at the abuse perpetuated toward children disguised as being in their "best interest".

 

In short we are called to take action. What can you do to be a part of the solution? KAS continues to need your financial support to support the many humanitarian projects KAS funds. KAS is also sponsoring a mission trip to Guatemala in coordination with Owensboro Christian Church - there are many items we need donated - these are listed in this newsletter. KAS is also holding an ORPHAN WALK to raise awareness and funding to help orphans (highlighted in this newletter). We need your participation! Some other ways to become involved come in the form of supporting Joint Council on International Children's Services (www.jcics.org) and supporting the endeavors aimed at our US Congress that KAS occasionally e-mails to you.

 

Once again, thank you for your prayers and your support.

 

Bendiciones,

 

(Please Note, UNICEF in some countries has not sought to shut down adoption and has actually been helpful and practical - namely Haiti. However, as a whole the detrimental effect of UNICEF's anti-adoption positions and actions have been largely responsible for the negativity toward international adoptions.)