The Bridge Of Hope Ministries : Sioux Center, Iowa

HOPE FUND

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:
to look after orphans and widows in their distress . . ."
James 1:27

Early in 2006, pastor Aaron and Nicole Baart decided to pursue adoption. One of their goals was not only to adopt a child for their own family, but also to raise awareness regarding adoption in general so that more of God's children everywhere might find loving homes. In other words, they wanted to encourage other potential adoptive parents to discern whether they might also be being calling to adoption.

Due to the fact that cost is so often a major deterant for prospective parents, they decided to ask Bridge of Hope about setting up a fund that could be administered by the church. The goal was to not only provide a practical tool for raising adoption awareness but also to encourage financial support by their family, friends, and church family. The result was the Hope Fund.

The Hope Fund is now a ministry overseen by Bridge of Hope through which potential adoptive parents might receive financial support. Friends and family can donate to their cause and receive a tax deduction for their assistance. Anyone interested in contributing to the Hope Fund can issue a check to Bridge of Hope Ministries (be sure to include "Hope Fund" in the memo line). Anyone interested in adopting or exploring the possiblity is encouraged to conatact Nicole Baart who will be more than willing to share area resources and any pertinent information.

UPDATE (09-08-06): As of the end of August, Pastor Aaron and Nicole have received and accepted a referral. Judah Beruke Baart was born healthy and well on July 8, 2006 and is now in the care of our adoption agency's foster home in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Abbaba. They anticipate being able to bring him home some time in October or early November (pending Ethiopian court dates). Note: due to legality issues, we cannot post a picture of Judah on public viewing space until he is legally adopted.
UPDATE: (10-24-06): On October 20, Judah Beruke was presented at court in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital. At that hearing, full custody was granted to Pastor Aaron and Nicole and they are now awaiting clearance for travel and an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Addis. They expect to travel some time in November and to bring him home then!
UPDATE (12-11-06): Well, he's home. After many prayers, much support, a trip halfway around the world, and the expereince of a lifetime, Judah is safely in our arms and in our home. Thank you to so many of you for financial, prayer, and emotional support. Our prayer now is that this ministry continues to bless more of God's little ones and families seeking to bring them home. Click on the Caring Bridge link above for even more information and Nicole's personal story.
UPDATE: (06-19-07): Judah is now nearly 1 year old. He has been in the US, living with the Baarts, for longer than he ever lived in the orphanage. He is incredibly healthy, numbering in the 95th percentile both in height and weight for his age. (Plus, he was the only one in his family not to get sick this winter and spring!) He continues to charm everyone and his personality is full of life and happiness. Check out this picture!