Did you know that whenever you reach out in Jesus’ name to care for someone in need, or serve a person in your life, you’re living out the Christian theological doctrines of incarnation and adoption?

Along with Scripture’s 34 distinct references that say to care for orphans, the doctrines of incarnation and adoption are foundational to why we at Restoring Hope do what we do.

These doctrines drive the daily work of Restoring Hope, and transform simple of acts of service into obedience to God’s will for us in carrying out our ministry’s mission. And today I felt compelled to share with you a little more.

INCARNATION

The doctrine of incarnation—that God in Jesus Christ took on human flesh—is the ultimate model for serving others and participating in any type of ministry. God, in his infinite glory, did not remain distant and untouchable, but descended into the world of human vulnerability and need. This divine drawing near established the foundational pattern for all Christian service: We are called to go down, to enter the mess, and to meet the vulnerable exactly where they are.

When Restoring Hope pastors, staff, and partners like you care for a child and family who have faced tragedy and are not sure where to turn, we are echoing the Word made flesh. This descending love speaks to the inherent dignity of every person we care for in our network of 800 children and families.

ADOPTION

The doctrine of adoption describes our spiritual transformation through Christ where we are granted a new identity as a child of God. The biblical mandate to care for orphans and widows is simply the practical application of God’s making us his own. Our spiritual adoption compels us to live out that grace on earth by providing care, love and restoration to those who are currently struggling with physical, educational, social, emotional, and spiritual needs.

34 TIMES

Did you catch that?

We are told in Scripture to care for the orphaned child 34 times. In fact, 30 of the 34 we are told to “care for the orphan and widow.” Because together they are the most vulnerable in a society, both then and now.

By providing orphaned and vulnerable children and families support in the home, quality education, and pastoral loving care, we are together proclaiming this gospel: That God is not distant, that he values the vulnerable, and that he is in the business of restoration and hope.

When you partner with Restoring Hope through prayer, giving, or advocacy, you’re not only answering that biblical call—you’re joining a story of transformation that echoes adoption itself. Every young person who comes through our care has experienced what it means to be seen, loved, and given a future. Thank you for being part of it.