Pensees: Meet Chloe Jane.

Mick and Beth were both friends of mine at BJU. I think very, very highly of them. The Lord has already used them three times for “adoption evangelism.” I’m praying that the Lord will provide and not only bring Chloe to the Murschells, but eventually bring her to Himself through their influence. Give as you can, even if it’s just a little.

Update: The amount needed is now $3799.

This is getting the adoption into the “doable” range, but more is needed. I think we must not lose heart. In fact, I am very encouraged. I spoke with Beth and they are more confident than ever that this will go through. Even if the deadline passes we need to be aware of the fact that the Murschells have gone to great sacrifice to go through with it now that we have helped them get so close (i.e. sell a car or something). Any extra help makes sense. So, press on!

Chris Anderson makes this point on his blog (in the thread):

Because they’re in the spotlight–uncomfortably so–I think it’s worth pointing out that they’ve done this 3 times(!) successfully! In other words, they’ve sacrificed much…for fees, for transportation, etc. This isn’t a couple acting on a whim, or asking others to sacrifice where they have not. I can’t imagine how much they’ve spent thus far, but I’m guessing that $50K is a reasonable guess. FWIW.

BTW, a family in our church has adopted two Chinese children, so we have seen first-hand the blessings of bringing children into a Christian home. That’s part of the reason I’m so burdened about helping the Murschells. It’s a good, good thing.

Update: The amount needed is now $3, 279.

Beth Murschell writes:

I cannot tell you what God has been doing in our lives through all of this. We are stunned and grateful to everyone who has prayed, forwarded links, blogged, and donated. I look forward to telling Chloe Jane about God moving in the hearts of his people to help bring her home.

God would not let us give up on her adoption through this long summer. Now we know why!

A little more about us, just to give some context.

I am passionate about adopting. Our first adoption took four years due to lack of money, but it was worth every second to bring our daughter home. She is every bit ours, as much or more so than if she were biological. Our second son was a waiting child with special needs (a brain anomaly), but you’d never know it. He is creative and thoughtful and compassionate and such a blessing.

When we went to bring our first son home from Korea, I spotted a sad little guy on the floor, newly arrived to the orphanage. It crossed my mind that this could be our next son. He had a history of hydrocephalus, as it turned out. A year and a half later, we were there picking him up, too. He is a complete joy: exuberant, healthy, musical, and loving.

Time fails to tell of all the miraculous provisions in these adoptions. Just in case anyone wonders, we have looked into domestic adoptions on more than one occasion, but God didn’t open that door.

We do our best to help our kids see God in everything. Now they will see that God does answer prayer. My husband’s unsaved relatives will see that God provides for his own. Our agency will see that miracles do happen.

We have explored every avenue we could think of, to no avail. Thanks to all of you for lifting up our hands!

So exciting to see God work. Can’t wait to hear “the rest of the story.”

Update: We’re working to bring the Chloe page up to speed, but the amount now needed is around $3,100 (not including travel costs).