A Sacred Calling: Show Hope’s Work in Advocacy by Mary Beth Chapman

Some of you may not know, but Show Hope does some amazing advocacy work on behalf of children and families. With our mission to care for orphans by engaging the Church and reducing barriers to adoption, we have found ourselves invited into rooms and conversations we never could have imagined—rooms where the needs of vulnerable children are elevated not only here in the U.S. but also around the world.

This past month, my daughter Emily and I had the privilege of representing Show Hope in a series of high-level meetings in Washington, D.C. We were there to do what Show Hope has always been about: advocating for children who often don’t have a voice of their own. We joined other leaders to share concerns, offer insights, and help create healthy, helpful conversations about the realities faced by vulnerable children and the families who step forward to love and care for them.

The Heart of Advocacy

For me, one of the greatest joys is watching Emily—Show Hope’s advocacy expert and ambassador—step into this role with such grace and conviction. Advocacy is not easy work. It takes courage, perseverance, and the ability to build trust across many different rooms and relationships. Whether she is sitting in the West Wing, walking the halls of the Senate buildings, or listening carefully in quiet offices, Emily carries Show Hope’s mission with deep passion.

She represents our team so well. She is a true champion for vulnerable children; a voice for the voiceless; and a steady guide in conversations that can shape policies, systems, and ultimately lives. Watching her lead fills me with gratitude—not just as her mom but as someone who has labored alongside Steven from the beginning of this work.

Advocacy Rooted in Legacy

Every year, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) hosts its Angels in Adoption Gala. It’s a gathering that honors individuals and organizations who have made a difference in the lives of children through adoption, foster care, and advocacy. Back in 2001, Steven and I were honored as National Angels in Adoption. The date of the event happened to fall on September 11, 2001—what we now simply remember as 9/11—and due to those tragic circumstances, the gala was cancelled. We returned home, carrying with us the reminder of how sacred and sobering this work truly is.

In the years since, Show Hope has continued to be connected to this special gathering. Emily and our Executive Director, Kristin, have faithfully attended in recent years, representing the work and heart of Show Hope. But this year was particularly meaningful for me. After our days of advocacy meetings, I was able to join Emily at the gala—not as an honoree but as a proud mom and grateful Co-founder—celebrating others who are now receiving the Angels award (see photo above). Sitting in that room, I was reminded of how far this journey has carried us and how the torch of leadership continues to be carried forward with faithfulness.

The Power of Platform

Steven and I have often said that Show Hope was born out of a simple “yes” to God’s calling. Along the way, we have been given a platform we never set out to build but has been entrusted to steward well. From stages filled with music to seats at congressional tables, we recognize the sacred responsibility that comes with the influence God has allowed.

The truth is, Emily is the one doing the hard, daily work of turning that platform into meaningful advocacy—and she does not do it alone. Kristin deserves to be celebrated as well. With steadfast leadership and a deep love for this mission, Kristin has faithfully carried the weight of leading Show Hope while also bringing Emily to the table as our advocacy expert and ambassador. Side by side, they have stepped into conversations that matter, carrying both wisdom and compassion.

Together, with leaders like Emily and Kristin carrying the mission forward, Show Hope continues to be the gold standard in both care and advocacy for vulnerable children. From Adoption Aid grants and Pre+Post Adoption Support to shaping conversations and policies in Washington, Show Hope’s work is marked by vision, persistence, and grace. It is humbling to see how God has taken a simple “yes” and multiplied it into an organization that not only meets tangible needs for families but also influences systems that will impact generations to come.

A Humble Gratitude

As I reflect on those past days in Washington, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to use our voice. Gratitude for the faithful ones who show up year after year in advocacy spaces on behalf of children. Gratitude for the next generation—our Emily—who carries the mantle with wisdom and grace.

Our prayer remains the same as it was from the very beginning: that every child would have the chance to know the love and permanency of a family. Advocacy may look different than grants or medical care, but in its own way, it is just as vital. It is the work of holding up the needs of children where decisions are being made, ensuring their voices are not forgotten.

To those of you who pray, give, and walk alongside Show Hope—thank you. You are part of this story too. Together, we are not just meeting needs in the present but also shaping a future where more children will have the hope of family.