This document discusses caring for fatherless children through various ministries and programs. It provides information about adopting orphaned children internationally and domestically, as well as supporting foster families and Safe Families programs. The document encourages prayer for fatherless children and lists opportunities to get involved through hosting children, donating items, providing professional services, or mentoring families in need.

1. If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. - Isaiah 58:10-11

3. God’s Heart for the Fatherless Give justice to the weak and the fatherless ; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute . Rescue the weak and the needy ; deliver them from the hand of the wicked . Psalm 82:3-4 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1:27 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. God settles the solitary in a home . Psalm 68:5-6a Whoever receives this child in my name receives me , and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great. Luke 9:48 But we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons , the redemption of our bodies . Romans 8:23 Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless , plead the widow's cause . Isaiah 1:17 The LORD watches over the sojourners ; he upholds the widow and the fatherless . Psalm 146:9a To You the helpless commits himself; You have been the helper of the fatherless . Psalm 10:14b Do not move an ancient landmark or enter the fields of the fatherless , for their Redeemer is strong ; he will plead their cause against you. Proverbs 23:10-11 For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God…He executes justice for the fatherless. Deut. 10:17-18a

24. Safe Families Opportunities to Serve http://www.safe-families.org Host Families Volunteer families willing to open their homes to children in crises and provide a safe and loving home and family atmosphere for them on a temporary basis. Providing Resources Most children come to Safe Families with very few supplies and possessions and Host Families are not reimbursed for any expenses they incur. Therefore the donation of children's items including (but not limited to): diapers, formula, cribs, car seats, strollers, and clothing are essential. Professional Services A comprehensive network of professionals willing to provide services on a donated or discounted rate for the support of children in crisis and/or volunteer families. Doctors, dentists, hair-care professionals, handymen and house cleaners are just a few examples. Respite Care Volunteers willing to provide temporary (less than 1 day) care of children to allow volunteer families to run errands, shop, or simply get a break. Support Groups Groups of individuals providing prayer, encouragement, and support to volunteer and biological families. Examples include play groups, coffee talks, burger night, etc. Mentors Mature Christians serving in a mentoring role to connect with biological families; assisting with and addressing the circumstances that led to their crisis. Case Coaches Volunteers who facilitate the relationship between the biological and volunteer Safe Family during a placement. Their primary focus is ensuring the well-being of the child(ren) while coordinating communications between the various agencies, Host Family, and the biological family.