Beyond Their Wildest Dreams

Four years into their process to adopt from Ethiopia, Marcus and Kayla Mackey received difficult news. The Ethiopian government was suspending all intercountry adoptions. Yet amid their confusion and heartbreak, Marcus and Kayla prayed for guidance.

“We still wanted to adopt, and we still felt God saying, You have a son somewhere,” Kayla said. “Eventually, we felt God say, OK, it’s time.” 

Marcus and Kayla formally withdrew from Ethiopia’s program and applied to India’s, trusting that God was not confused or surprised by their changing circumstances.

“The day we withdrew from one process and got accepted to the other was the same day that our son was declared [eligible for adoption] in India,” Kayla said. “If we would have left the Ethiopian process sooner, or held on a little bit longer, Judah wouldn’t be our son. God orchestrated all of those steps.”

While they were thrilled the process in India was moving quickly, it also meant the Mackeys’ adoption funds were due much sooner than anticipated. And after the long wait in Ethiopia, their savings were spent. But Show Hope. 

“Through Show Hope, God gave us hope on a tough day. Our son’s first birthday was in April 2018. It was a difficult day since we were unable to celebrate this milestone with him. Show Hope notified us of our Adoption Aid grant award on our son’s first birthday. That financial gift was just what we needed to cover the rest of our adoption expenses!

“Our son’s and our lives will never be the same because of Show Hope and the people who have given to that,” Marcus said. “It’s not just a cool charity to give to; it changes people’s lives forever, in a powerful way.”

TWENTY YEARS & COUNTING

Some 20-plus years ago, as they welcomed their daughter Shaoey into their family through the miracle of adoption, Show Hope Founders Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman longed to help other families, who had placed their faith in Jesus, welcome home their children as well. Then, that dream looked like serving just 100 families, yet “many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand” (Proverbs 19:21). 

Today, Show Hope’s cornerstone Adoption Aid grants reach deep to impact thousands upon thousands of children and families—both directly and indirectly, beyond the Chapmans’ wildest dreams. In an effort to further reduce barriers to adoption, Show Hope created the online resource HowToAdopt.org, where individuals, parents, and families are met with practical guidance, answers, and insight on the adoption process. Whether you are simply curious about adoption, are in the midst of it, or find yourself on the other side of adoption finalization, HowToAdopt.org will equip you with the tools necessary to navigate the journey, beginning with the very first steps. 

“Show Hope’s cornerstone Adoption Aid grants reach deep to impact thousands upon thousands of children and families—both directly and indirectly, beyond the Chapman’s wildest dreams.”

In this past year alone, Show Hope’s work in reducing barriers to adoption has reached the countries of Ukraine, Uganda, and China, with roots all tracing back to our Adoption Aid work. In regard to the yearlong war in Ukraine, Show Hope has had the privilege of playing a part in a story that is bringing hope and healing to children, parents, caregivers, and families. Through the prayer, support, and generosity of our faithful donors, we have been able to donate more than $100,000 to on-the-ground relief efforts in partnership with A Family for Every Orphan, a faith-based organization that helps children who have been orphaned find care in safe and loving families in their home countries. 

Last summer, Show Hope also partnered with BEB (Both Ends Believing), another like-minded ministry, and has the privilege of helping Ugandan children come home to families in their home country. 

“Show Hope is honored to partner with BEB in directly impacting children and families in Uganda,” Executive Director Kristin Parks shared. “Historically, our Adoption Aid grants have primarily impacted families within the U.S., who are adopting domestically and internationally, so this partnership is a significant step for us in expanding our mission of reducing barriers to adoption.” 

Although the international adoption process has been stalled with the country of China for more than three years now, hope and help are still not lost. As families continue to wait, inevitable costs arise, from renewed home studies to the refiling of paperwork. In February of this year, Show Hope was able to award a $60,000 grant to Lifeline Children’s Services (Lifeline) in support of families who are a part of their China program—some of whom are a part of our Adoption Aid grant work. 

“To be able to answer the call from Lifeline is such a gift to us! As many of you know, China holds a special place in our hearts, as the homeland of our three beautiful daughters,” Mary Beth shared. “Through this financial support, we are locking arms with others, ensuring families within Lifeline’s China program will not assume additional costs as they continue to wait patiently for their children to come home.” 

As Show Hope looks to the future, we do so with eyes wide open and full of hope. The barriers to adoption are only increasing, yet it was God who took the original vision of 100 children and families and multiplied it to include more than 8,400. He is the same God now as then, and we continue to place our trust in him.

“It was God who took the original vision of 100 children and families and multiplied it to include more than 8,400. He is the same God now as then, and we continue to place our trust in him.”