It’s been a long time since I did a Memorial Box Monday post. This week I want to kind of do an update and thank all of you for your prayers for our trip to China. I opened up on a different Memorial Box Monday post about some very real fears I had acquired (since our home burning down) for flying. (Just so everyone understands, I had once loved flying, but due to a horrific nightmare flight I was pretty unnerved. THEN the fire happened, and that sealed the deal. I did not want to fly for anything.)
So when it came time to head to China, the fear was very, very real….infact I was petrified. A counselor/friend asked if maybe Dw should go instead. NO WAY!! I did not want to be slave to the fear. Instead I asked my sweet bloggy friends to pray for me and Emma. Many of you committed to praying for us and now in my Memorial Box will be a small airplane reminding me of God healing me of my fear of flying: Special Thanks to: Dan & Lavonne, Robbie, Jenn, Carolin, Stefanie, Cori, Mary McG, Melissa, reamsdm, Holly, Chris, Carol, Scrappy Quilter, Cheremi, Shanti, Ladyblog, Angie, Alycia, Chris & Sarah, Annie, Laine, Miss Ashley, Melody, bytheriver, KristiO, Jerry&Christy, Kathie aka Goodness & Mercy Mom, ThomasVille, Sarah the Kool Kid, ~love, Kathy, Sheila, AnnMarie, sierrasmom, CM, Janet & Kevin, Jessa, Sally my VT, Nancy in CT, Nancy, Tony & Rett, Barb, living4Him5, The Avilla’s, inked33, Adeye, Renee, Dawn, Sheri aka Tessaraemum, valerie in TX, Teach, momto3, Coleman’s A to Z, Kimberly, Sandee, dreamingofthecountry, Mary, Susan, tinacd, fromallofuswithlove, Holly, Jean, joeks, Tina aka Waiting Faithfully, Pam, JR, stephanie, Prenderbergs, NanaNors, Robin aka PatientlyWaiting, RaRa, Oh Dear, Peggy from Chicago, Paula, tons of Facebook friends, countless relatives, church friends and a whole bunch of others. I thank you all.
The flights were great…a bit turbulent from time to time, but each time I would picture myself under God’s almighty wings….and HE was guiding the plane, not the pilots…….one got kind of extra turbulent and I thought I might throw up….and I just prayed….Lord, remind my friends to pray for the flights right now and it eventually settled down. So SIX flights later…… I can confidently say that if I had to fly tomorrow I would do well. God is faithful. Prayers were answered!! Yippee Jesus!!
NOW you bloggy friends will always be a part of our Memorial Box….
What you did was bear my burden. Really. A burden bearer is scriptural.
It’s talked about here:
“Share each other’s burdens,
and in this way obey the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2 NLT
Now I have a question.
Who doesn’t want to follow Christ? To be like Him?
Praying for one another and bearing each other’s burdens is exactly what God intended. Not even just once in a while. But ALL THE TIME, as in, daily!!
As I’ve said before…..this whole bloggy thing is a God-thing. It can be used for such higher purposes!! And so I have another burden….and I need some help bearing it.
Weeks ago I wrote about our dear friends J and C. J went with Dw to Africa this past summer. He fell in love with a little girl and started the process to bring her home. When J came home (to Canada) C said, “J I still feel God has a little boy for us.” J contacted the orphanage and they said that there was a little boy with special needs that they would let them also have. A true miracle!!
So before heading to Africa J and C did all their paperwork. They dotted every “i” and crossed every “t”. They were told by their Canadian Government that adoption is a top priority and they would expedite the VISAs.
J and C left as soon as they had the clearance from Uganda and Canada. They both were in Africa together for a week until their joint court date. After a week though, C flew home to care for their three other little children.
J stayed in Africa with their two new children. Only thing is that Canada has now changed their tune. They had said that it would take 2 weeks has now turned into 22 months. In the meantime James and C are bearing this burden. J has been in Africa now for 11 weeks. C is home in Canada with the 3 kids.
You who have adopted understand how once you meet your child, it’s impossible to turn your back and go home and wait. The thing is that nothing is going to change either way, except we get on our knees.
“All those gathered here will know
that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves;
for the battle is the LORD’s,
and he will give all of you into our hands.”
I Samuel 17:46-48
Now many could say, but Linny there are others who are in a crisis. Or others would say, “But I don’t live in Canada.” Or others might say, “there are others who need prayer.” Or still others would say, “I’m not adopting and won’t ever be, so this doesn’t affect me.”
BUT I am pleading with you with a prophetic voice for this reason: I believe that this is a pivotal point in international adoption. The Lord has impressed on me that He has been merciful to the body of Christ in allowing a door of opportunity to care for the orphan. But the door is now becoming a window and if we do not get on our knees and plead for Canada (and the rest of the world) to keep the opportunities for international adoption open, then we will see a sudden change in the winds of adoption. I do not type those words lightly. It is that serious.
So what can we do? The only thing we can do is get on our knees and pray. Fast. Beg the Lord to have mercy and move on the hearts of the Canadian officials. Move mightily. Move swiftly. Move for the orphans. Move because He is God and He loves the orphan. Move because He loves them even more than we do. He knows the number of hairs on the heads of all 147 million. He loves them with an everlasting love. He loves them enough to send His only son to die for them.
For this reason I am asking for you to join me this Wednesday January 6, 2009 for a day of prayer (and fasting). If you are able to fast – please join me in that as well.
Maybe some have never adopted and never plan to. It’s okay. You can still do something for the orphan. (James 1:27) You can pray with us. If possible you can fast.
Fast for God to move on behalf of J and C!
I believe, with all my heart, that this is a Memorial Box Monday story in the making….and once again, you can be a part of it.
And on that note, could you please leave a comment that you will be joining in prayer and/or fasting? It would be such an encouragement to J and C!
Amen! I'm in. Count on it.
Deb
You can count me in! It would be an honor.
Tricia
I'll be there – honored to be a small part of a memorial box. Agreed that international adoption is seeming suddenly to have a ton of heretofore unseen barriers.
I'll be praying and fasting for this precious couple. Being from Canada it truly bothers me this is happening. I received a e-mail from our government, however it really didn't say anything. I wanted them to say that they had gotten their visas, however it didn't say that. hugs
i'm with ya!
YES, I'm in. Will be praying in Japan on Wednesday (so that's Tuesday for you guys). One bad governmental decision can effect thousands of children–even some of our own, not yet home!
I'll be praying On Wed.
Hi Linny,
Will be praying for your friends on Wednesday. How awful for them
and the children.
blessings,
Nellie
Am so happy that your trip turned out so well, I was praying for you and Emma and Jubilee as well.
So glad she has settled in so well.
Neat that she already had a birthday party.
I'm for sure a burden bearer. Yes, will pray for miracles to happen. My heart hurts for them.
I will definitely join your prayer! I too have Canadian friends waiting desperately for this to be resolved while their children continue to wait for their parents.
Also, love the new pics of your kids on your sidebar!
Got it! I'm in!
Many blessings,
Amy
Me too. How could any of us think this doesn't affect us?
We are all part of ONE body.
If the knee hurts, the entire body suffers.
Intercession is a privilege.
Let's come together on behalf of this family and the cause of the orphan in our nations!
I will for sure be praying! I'm a teenager in Canada (Alberta) and am so sad (More like desperate) about this. I would die if the door shuts on adoptions here before I am old enough to adopt!
Blessings!
Anna
I commit to praying and fasting! My heart is hurting for James and Cheremi!
Consider my corner of NC covered in prayer!
Yes, I will join you in prayer!!!! I can't wait!!!
Could you please explain to me about the fasting??? I am very interested, but have never done it.
Blessings!!!
I'll be joining you on Wednesday. As the parent of five, three of whom are adopted, I know personally how government red tape can hold up bringing our children home. It is heartbreaking!
Blessings,
Vicki
ABSOLUTELY dear friend, count me in. I completely agree with you about international adoption. I have felt the same thing in the Spirit–it's time to get on our knees and fast and pray!!!! Lives are at stake here. Precious little lives. This is serious stuff Linny.
Have been praying for James and Cheremi and will continue to and will fast on the 6th.
I follow their blog and have sent notes to them to encourage them.
I do believe what you said about the door becoming a window, BUT GOD is bigger than this hiccup in life.
I love being a burden bearer.
My cousin, living4him5 is also waiting for a glitch in going to China to get Mady. Pray for them as well….Thanks…
Lovingly,
Sandy in Piedmont Triad, NC
Absolutely…I am in! Go big or go home right? Let's do it!
Praying for a miracle…a really quick one!
I'm in! Those babies need to come home and a door need to be opened up again, not just a window. The only One who can do it is our Mighty God!
James and Cheremi, we've got your backs!!
Lots of love,
Jenn
Count me in! Babies are my top priority, any day of the week. And orphans? Top of the list!
Praying, believing…hugs!
Nancy in CT
Count me in!! Jan 6th is a day I will already be spending a lot of time in prayer just to get through the day as it is the anniversary of Lorrie's passing. It will be a day that I remember my time with her and all the orphans who have no families of their own, specifically those who are trying to get home to Canada!!!
Love ya!
Count me in on Wednesday. Fasting and praying is the least we can do for those who still wait. God Bless James and Cheremi and family,
Peace,
Kelly
I'm in Linny!
Cathy
I was so glad to hear your flights went well and you felt comfort. Very, very glad Jubilee is home with her forever family now. Praying for the orphans on Wednesday, and every day.
Praying…God is jealous over these little souls. He is mighty to save.
I am praying. I will join you in fasting on Wednesday. James and Cheremi, my heart breaks for you and your precious kids, and I believe our God can work a miracle! Bless you for fighting for your kids!
I will be praying & fasting along with you. I hope God opens the door for them. I can't imagine not being able to bring my children home! He is the only One that can make a change!
In Him,
Heather
Linny, I'm in! God is so much bigger than these obstacles! I believe He desparately wants to hear from His children…and we know He loves the 147 million orphans and is grieved about our complacency. We will be lifting up international adoption, and James & Cheremi specifically in agreement! Thank you in advance, LORD, for hearing and answering our petitions! YOU are so very good!
I'll absolutely spend the day in prayer. Can't fully fast for health reasons, but will give up any extras for the day.
Will continue to pray, especially with y'all on Wednesday!
Our Mountain moving God has this one covered!
Truly Blessed,
Jodi
I'm In! Let's kick butt with prayer!
As a mother of 5 adopted children, and as a child of God who believes in His goodness and mercy, I will be praying on January 6th. Thank you for giving us the privilege to do so!
It will be my first "fast" but I can't think of a better reason to start. I have been reading your blog and about fasting about a year but I feel as though I have to finally do something! There are to may children waiting for families for Gov't red tape to get in the way. Thank you for fighting for all the orphans in the world!
Yes, I'll join you and all the others in prayer on Wednesday!!!
Storming Heaven for you, James and Cheremi!
You've got to be kidding. He's still there? Keep us posted as often as possible. Praying for them. Would you love to have a sit down meeting with some of the "powers that be" in some countries when it comes to stuff like this with their very own citizens?
I will be praying and fasting…
Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with all of you…Our God is mighty to save!!
Thank you for this fantastic post.
As Cheremi's sister I pray numerous times a day and this situtation is so heart breaking. This was so encouraging for me to see all the people that are praying for James and Cheremi. I knew that there was but to see it written down is incredible.
I will definately fast and pray tomorrow.
Joining in prayer with all of you!
Barbra
Count me in! Not only do those babies need to come home to their forever families, but so do the rest of the children waiting for approval.
Blessings~
Jenn
I have a possible adoption I had decided to fast over today. we have a foster son in our care that is available for adoption but we don't know if it is God's will yet or not. I had decided to fast over him today, so I will be a day early, but I will be fasting and praying for this as well. I want to see God move mountains here!
praying here!!
I'll be definitely praying for the Lord's mighty intervention!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm with you! I'll be praying and fasting for James & Cheremi as well the whole future of adoption.
I'll be praying and fasting.
Blessings,
Michelle
I also live in Canada and long to bring my children home. I'm waiting for God to give me the green light to begin the adoption process however I believe that at least some of my children are already out there. I tremble at the thought that by the time I am able to start the process the doors will be closed.
Praying and fasting with you on Wednesday.
p.s. I still haven't been able to find any good information, articles, etc. fully explaining the situation… Do you know of any?
praying and fasting down here in Texas for those babies!
Linny, thank you for sharing with us what the Lord has told you about the future of adoption. I am not yet an adoptive mommy, but would love to be someday, and agree with someone else who said here that they tremble at the thought that the doors may be closed before we are able to bring our own little ones home. I will be joining you on Wednesday.
I'll join you on my knees.
p.s. I love your new blog photos!
I am going to pass this on to the ifast58.org prayer team too!
God bless! Jen
Ohhh, this is so not right. I will be praying on Wed. for Canada's heart to change FOR the orphans!!!!!
Kathie in NY
I will be praying. I know God loves the orphans!
Christy
I'm in. I'll be praying, and fasting too.
Count me in. Once I held your precious babies, I knew adoption was in our future. But, as you said, we must pray that the window remains open. I would be honored to pray/fast for this couple.
I'm with you tomorrow. I've been asking the Lord lately what can I do now since I won't be adopting for a while. And so He answers through you, awesome!
yes, Linny, I will pray and fast. I will pray for this couple and their children, for those who are adopting and for those agencies that are struggling to stay afloat in these economic times. I am so hoping that more children will come home to their families… not the reverse.
Blessing
I'm in.
Robin
Will be praying for this family and all of Canada.
I will also use this time specifically to pray that God would break my heart for the things that breaks His. Thanks for those words.
C
I am in!!
How is your Mother in Love and Mark doing?
Yes, we will pray and I will fast.Sheri
COunt me in! angela
Me too!
Fasting and praying in Oklahoma.
Also praying the Lord will soon open the door for us to adopt.
Tina
We are praying continually for you and your little ones, James and Cheremi.
I am there with you Linny. My heart is so burdened for all the orphans right now whether here in China, Uganada Ukraine or Canada! I will be praying without ceasing for this family to be together and for Canada to change.
Yes, you can count me on to pray and fast for the release of these two precious ones into James and Cheremi's care and keeping!
Judi Jeremiassen
I am with you. Interestingly enough – Alan is out of town on Wed. and I already set it aside for a day of reading the word, praying and asking God for some vision about the coming year. I will be going through my prayer journal and will be praying for this precious family. They have already sacrificed so much. I can't wait to see how the Lord will move on their behalf. Love you Linn!
Dear Cheremi and James,
I will be praying…
Jackie O
As I will be praying and fasting tomorrow please see my email to you today about 2 other precious orphans. praying and fasting in his name for your friends and all the orphans of the world.
Praying for the orphans of the world….and especially for those moved to care for them.
Count me in.
I am so glad your flight to China went good.
Joining you in prayer from TX!
I'll definitely be praying!!
Too many kiddos need to get home! We'll not give up as long as their is breath in our bodies!
Isaiah 1:17.
Welcome home!
Mark, Lisa, Tavin and Taleah
Linny – thank you so much for giving us all such encouragement and motivation! will definitely be praying and fasting tomorrow, for James and Cheremi, and also for the future of international adoption (we are almost through our paperwork and itching to hold our little girl from Ethiopia!).
Will be praying in Maryland!
of course i will be praying for them and for adoption everywhere. i lead a women's group at church tomorrow and will include this in our group prayer time…
I'm in. Jenny at http://www.ourplansmultiplied.blogspot.com
I will be praying and fasting (1st half of the day) for this family and their children – And for all of us with children stuck in this painful process.
Linny,
I'm in on Wednesday. I listened to yours and Dwight's message that you preached at church the last Sunday in November (I think). Everyone should hear that message and what a different world this world be if "our hearts would break for what breaks Jesus' heart". We are still waiting for our little guy from Korea but I can't help but think there might be a child just waiting for us in Africa too. Praying that God will move in a mighty way with the Canadian government.
Hugs,
Robin
We have been praying for them daily and would love to join in tomorrow.
My religion may be a little different to yours, but I WILL be joining you to pray for this family to be together forever very soon.
You are a very sweet and caring person Linny. Your entire family is.
Jennette in Australia
I will pray tomorrow and fast and pray the 7th. Already have a commitment for tomorrow.
We're praying in NC!
As always, if you ask, my answer is…of course! I will pray and fast tomorrow for the 147 million without a mom or dad to tuck them in to bed tonight and for James and Cheremi and all those who are "stuck" in the adoption process. Please Lord hear our prayers! – Charissa
I'll be fasting & praying tomorrow for this precious family.
Love the new look of your blog!!
Count me in I'll be fasting to bring these sweet babies home!! I met them while in Uganda with James and I am so excited to see them home in there familys arms. praying!!
Tuning in late this evening, but I will certainly join you in prayer for James and Cheremi.
I'm not sure I can commit to fasting tomorrow, but I will commit to fasting sometime soon.
I, too, am concerned about international adoptions, as so many programs are closing, or tightening guidelines. I have friends who would like to adopt, but they are struggling with which country is best…because of stricter guidelines and undercertain guidelines.
Shall the body of Christ bind together for the orphan.
Still praying for the two children in foster care that I have a burden for. I'm afraid that door may not be open for us to adopt them. I'll know more tomorrow. Will you join me in prayer for them as well?
Robbie
OF COURSE!
PRAYING!
PRAYING!
PRAYING!
Count me in for fasting and praying on Wednesday on behalf of James and Chermi.
I'm in for praying and fasting. And looking forward to seeing God move mightily!
Count us in!
In Christ,
Janet, Kevin, Ted, Philip, and soon to be home Eli
We have a little movement called iFast58 for people to pray and fast every wednesday for the poor, hungry and oppressed across the world and those that serve them. About 150 people participate (that I know of) and I was forwarded this fasting request. I will include in the email I send out tonight with requests from across the world as well as put the list on our site. http://www.iFast58.org tomorrow.
Praying He moves mountains as the Defender of Orphans
Brandi
Praying and fasting tomorrow with you!
Praying and fasting tomorrow for the Lord to move this mountain on behalf of James and Cheremi, and their waiting babes. He is ABLE!
Blessings to you my friend, and to James and Cheremi as they wait faithfully.
Tina
I will be praying! Selima
I'm joining you today. Thanks for bringing it to the forefront of our minds once again. Rach
Here we go! I am praying today for James and Cheremi. Here is what I picture… (I am kind of visual)but I see God… basking in the words and voices of his beloved children. I see his heart welling up and his eyes of compassion looking into our hearts. I picture with each prayer his power and might come into play. I picture James boarding a plane with his two babies and heading back to Canada with a confidence and hope that only comes from the Lord. Praying and fasting in Durango. lv u linn – lv, jen
Praying in WY!
Barb
Have been following your blog for some time and I praise God for your fervor and inspiration!( I found it when I googled for the Schalk's blog-my family attends the same church as the Schalks) We have been, and continue to pray for James and Cheremi here in Germany. Our church prayer meeting is tonight and we will surely pray for them again. Our God can move mountains and he is ruler over all!
Linny, I'm fasting with you today. Thanks for bearing the burden of so many others. My heart is certainly heavy for them as they fight to bring their children home.
Happy belated birthdays to your sweet Elizabeth and Jubilee! (We've been out of town so I've missed a lot.) What a glorious sight to see your girls celebrating their special days with their forever families!
Please keep us posted on James and Cheremi and your mom in love and Mark.
Much Love,
Kathie
Praying today to see the hand of God!
Praying…as a Momma who has and is waiting to adopt again. He will move the mountains…we know He will…especially if we ask.
I prayed about this all evening and I am in! Standing beside this amazing army of God with you in prayer and fasting!!
Annie in CA
Our whole family will be praying and fasting today for this situation and in particular for James and Cheremi. We are also in the process of bringing home a little one home from Uganda. Thank you for doing this Linny.
Kathy
You know I'm in, girl. On my knees.
Love to you~
Amie
Praying and fasting here. All of those 147 million children are in my heart.
Praying.
I guess I'm a little late for the fasting, especially since I was cramming carrot cake in my mouth as I sat down to read my fav blogs…
I'm going to be in prayer for this situation and the plight of the orphan. I agree that this is a very pivotal time. My girls may only have the adoption option due to their SN, so I feel very strongly about keeping adoptions open. Every child deserves a loving home!
Have been and will continue to pray!
I wanted to share with you what the Lord showed me when we were preparing our trip to China. I had been nervous all along because of the flight there. I am completely TERRIFIED to fly and that is one of the things that showed me it was most definitely God's will that we adopt from China, I would never ever ever come up with the idea to fly from one town to another, let alone to CHINA!
I didn't realize how much it was affecting me until my husband told me I didn't seem excited enough about our referral and during praise and worship one evening at church, I realized it was because I was so afraid of flying. I closed my eyes and said Lord, please take this fear from me. Before I got the words from my mouth I had a vision of a huge jet flying through the clouds and wrapped around that jet were the biggest hands I have ever seen, they almost covered the jet. From that very second on I knew that we would be safe and I had nothing to fear.
I'm a burden bearer!
I will be praying and fasting for your friends. I'm so glad you made it on that flight. I too had a horrific flight experience and I understand how it can un-nerve you. May the Lord always have you under His wings.