Explore Scripture
The call
Scripture calls us to care for vulnerable children (James 1:27) and reminds us that God places the lonely in families (Psalm 68:6, NIV).
In Matthew, an example is set when the Savior of the world, God incarnate, is adopted by an earthly father (Matthew 1:24–25), to provide for his earthly needs, and thus create space to grow and thrive before launching into His kingdom work.
God desires His children to be well cared for and also desires to draw them to Himself. Placing His children in faithful families provides rich soil for the gospel to take root (Matthew 13:8). As caregivers guide children in the way they should go, the home becomes a place where faith is nurtured through daily life (Proverbs 22:6).
Long before children understand theology, they experience the character of Christ in the patience, forgiveness, grace, mercy, and love through their caregivers (Colossians 3:12–14), and in an M68 world, also through their support circle.
We each have different gifts (Romans 12:6a) and our individual call to care for vulnerable children will look different. Some will be called to open their homes, while others will be called to walk alongside those serving families, building them up in different ways (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Not a lonely call
Galatians 6:2 calls us to bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. M68 aims to make needs visible, to facilitate service in love. Jesus provided the supreme example of love through service and taught that others will recognize us as His disciples when we love (John 13:34–35). When support persons bring a meal, offer a ride, provide respite, or faithfully pray, they not only help to sustain serving families, but they also create margin in the family’s schedules for gospel opportunities: genuine connection, gospel conversations, and seed-planting (Deuteronomy 6:6–7).
Supporters
Micah 6:8, the inspiration for M68, calls us to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God. Caring for vulnerable children and surrounding their families with support gives us opportunities to live out that calling: seeking their good, extending kindness, and humbly following God’s lead.
As we surround families with practical help and prayer, we fortify homes where disciples nurture the next generation of disciples, people are well cared for, and God is glorified as provider (Psalm 42:8).
Rooted in James 1:27; Psalm 68:6, NIV; Matthew 1:24–25; Matthew 13:8; Proverbs 22:6; Colossians 3:12–14; Romans 12:6a; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Galatians 6:2; John 13:34–35; Deuteronomy 6:6–7; Micah 6:8; and Psalm 42:8.