Adoption & Orphan Care Summit - Day 1 Report

Colorado Springs, CO -- I'm reporting almost live (make that almost "alive," since it's nearly midnight and I've just wrapped up a very long day) from Focus on the Family Headquarters, where the Adoption and Orphan Care Summit is in full swing.

A full report will be coming when I have more energy, but here's the nitty-gritty:
There are about 400 people at the conference from all over the U.S., all of whom are committed to caring for orphans and to finding permanent homes for children who need them.

There is no political agenda. I repeat: there is no political agenda. If you've read the news reports lately (see my recent post regarding an Associated Press article about the conference), you may be wondering whether this joining of forces among the major players in the world of evangelical Christianity (FamilyLife and Focus on the Family) means that pro-life, anti-gay-parenting talk is swirling everywhere.

I've had my journalistic ears on high alert all day and I can attest that I haven't heard a murmur. The coalition's mission is quite simple, actually: to motivate and unify the body of Christ to live out God's mandate to care for orphans.

In upcoming posts, I'll be providing details from some of the presentations, and I'll post podcasts of the keynote talks from Rick Warren (author of the Purpose-Driven Life and pastor of Saddleback Church) and Dennis Rainey (president of FamilyLife). That way, you can listen for yourself and make your own judgments.

Our day ended on a high note, when we watched a pre-screening for the movie, Bella (which won the "People's Choice Award" at the Toronto International Film Festival 2006 and will open in U.S. theaters September 1. After the movie we received a special treat: a visit from the movie's star, Eduardo Verastegui (a Mexican superstar and fabulous actor).

I enjoyed Bella tremendously; it's a thought-provoking, uplifting movie appropriate for teenagers on up (and it weaves in a subtle adoption theme that birth parents, adopted people, and adoptive parents alike will appreciate). It's a touching story about life, family, friendship, and our capacity for love in the face of the unexpected. If the Academy folks are smart, they'll pay close attention to Bella.

Pictured above: Pikes Peak (14,110 ft.) from Focus on the Family HQ; Rick Warren, Dennis Rainey.

For more news and information about adoption, visit www.laurachristianson.com, and check out my Exploring Adoption bookstore.

Comments

[jazztheologian]

Hello,
I was at the summit on Friday. I wish we could have met.
robert

[Leslie]

Hi, Laura-
Have you heard when and where the next Adoption and Orphan Care Summit will be held?