Foster Care

Throughout Scripture, we hear God’s heart for the church to care for orphans. Psalm 68:6 says, “God provides homes for those who are deserted.” We have a calling to care for children in need of a loving, caring home.

Foster Care Birthday Parties

First Baptist in Weatherford celebrated 81 foster kids’ birthdays last year. So far this year, they have thrown 27 birthday parties.
Recently, the church sent a cake to an 18-year-old girl who was aging out of the system. She is expecting a baby and the church wanted to make sure her birthday was celebrated. When the case worker took her the goodies along with a cake, the young, expectant mother looked at the cake and just cried. Her comment was, “I didn’t think anyone would remember.” That is why the church does this! They usually don’t know the effect a birthday party has on the children, but they pray that each and everyone will know that there are people in this world who do care.

Foster Care Grants

Through the generous giving of Oklahoma Baptists to the Edna McMillan State Missions Offering, grants are provided to Oklahoma Baptist churches as a reimbursement for fulfilled CarePortal requests through 111Project.

Get involved.

Help ministries like Leflore Association provide continued education and resources for foster families. We want to see more and more of our churches and associations wading into foster care.

Testimonies

A request came through the CarePortal for rent assistance for a mother reunifying with her son. Cameron Baptist Church was new to CarePortal, so Credence Church, our church plant in Lawton, met the upfront financial need (and applied for a foster care grant from Oklahoma Baptist through the State Missions Offering). As a young church plant, this grant made meeting needs more possible. 

Our partnership let Cameron Baptist Church get involved at a level they were comfortable with. They engaged their food pantry and clothing closet. After the rent was paid, we met at the home of the family to deliver food and household goods to further support reunification. While we were loading boxes into the home, we told the lady we were rooting for her. She spun around and threw up her hands for double high-fives. “I went to court this morning, and he’s coming home!” she exclaimed. We all cheered. We prayed with her on the porch before we left, and Cameron Baptist Church invited her to VBS and to attend their church services. 

Two churches, using various resources to meet one stated need, support additional physical needs and open a door for the Gospel.

Brady Sharp

Pastor of Credence Church

Credence Church (church plant in Lawton) and Cameron Baptist Church of Lawton.