Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2
Notes from Leadership
4
Nature School
6
Teachers Spotlight
8
Maximize Giving
9
Travel - Mongolia
11 22
What does it take to be a Foster Parent? Celebrating 50 years
Lov e Res c u ed Me! “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families” Psalm 68:5-6
There were many reasons I felt drawn to Zeeland Christian when I was in the interview process nearly three years ago. Chief among these reasons was learning of this community’s commitment to inclusion, foster care, and adoption. Our adoption story began while my wife April and I were serving as missionaries in Taiwan. Much of the ministry of the churches in Taiwan at the time was happening secretly in China, and many of our missionary friends were involved in some way. As a newlywed couple, we weren’t thinking of having children yet, but we started to take notice as many of our friends were either in the process of adopting a child from China or were considering it. Slowly, during our time in Taiwan, God began to break our heart for the orphan and those without families. Verses like Psalm 68:5-6, James 1:27, Matthew 25:40, and others began jumping off the pages of our Bible. We listened intently to the firsthand accounts of our friends, and by the time we left Taiwan, we decided that when we were ready to have children we would pursue international adoption from China. I thought we were the rescuers, but on December 2, 2003, love rescued me when our daughter was placed into our waiting arms, and I became “Daddy.” On that day I finally understood what it means to not live life for myself. While I wish it had happened sooner, I thank God He continued to give me the opportunity to be rescued.
2019-2020 THEME:
HERE AM I; SEND ME!
“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” – Isaiah 6:8.
2 | The Bell
This is our adoption story. I’ve heard many of yours, and each one has encouraged and challenged me. Thank you, Zeeland Christian family, for opening your homes, school, and hearts to all children.
Tim McAboy, Head of School
