[PastorStephanie]

I am wondering what everyone's opinion is regarding sharing the Gospel with bfamily members. I can see how it could be regarded as manipulative to bring up salvation in some circumstances but at the same time I can see the biblical mandate for believers to share their faith in all sitations. How do you balance this? What do you think is appropriate?

[BrockBaby]

I have never seen sharing the Gospel as being manipulative. Manipulation would be if you said, YOU WILL BE A CHRISTIAN OR I WILL NOT ASSOCIATE WITH YOU! You are right, we are to share Jesus with others. I think that the best way to do this in birthfamily situations would be to live your Christianity, not to compromise your faith. When the opportunity arises to share, then do it as you would with anyone. The best witness is your life, not your words.

Remind me of this when I am in reunion!!

[PastorStephanie]

Originally Posted by BrockBaby

Remind me of this when I am in reunion!!

LOL! Ok! We will.

I agree that sharing the Gospel with our lives is better than sharing with mere words. I would hope that no one would be so confused as to say that they would not associate with their bfamily (or anyone for that matter) unless they become a Christian.

The rollarcoaster of reunion can do some crazy things. People can be desperate to keep their bchild or bmom in their life... I would hate to be so Politically Correct as not to speak the truth in love and I would hate to be so desperate to have my bfamily forever in eterntiy that they feel pressured.

My bfamily and I talk about faith constantly... because it is so central to who I am.... I guess I am just wondering if anyone else feels a spiritual responsibilty to their bfamilies because they were raised in a Christian home (and maybe their bfamilies were not).

[BrockBaby]

Very good point, about the feelings of responsibility!!! I can totally understand having those feelings. I am not in reunion, but still searching, and I already feel a "responsibility" to have my bfamily serving the Lord. Not that I want to make them, JUST LIKE ME, but I want them to know the Truth. It is through me that my afamily recieved salvation, so I have often wondered if it would be the same with my bfamily. I guess that is where we need to pray that God will use us in anyway He feels fit to bring the Truth to our families!

By-the-way, thanks for being my "reminder" I just may need it!!!

[shef]

I find this question very challenging....I am not a great one for talking the talk, more so sharing where opporutnies open up with whoever I am with. I did not have a chance to share about Jesus with my bmother, but I prayed for her..and with my bsister, shea sked me about my life, and so I told her or shared my own expereince and belief about what God was doing and who he was in my life.....she was not interested...and did not share my faith.....the same as my afamily dont....but though I so wish they would like to know God, I ask God to love them through me, I pray for them, I share where I can, but I also sahre other things too and am interested in them as people....what I can......but most of all Ipray for them all. My bfatehr is indian and of the hindu religion. In my search for my bssiters I am aware of this cultrue and religious difference.....but as you say Pastor Stepahie, I think its important to be true to who you are and your spirtual values and beliefs.....we sow the seeds, and its God who will give the increase....we are called to love others as He loves us, and that includes our bfamily.....maybe we have been reunited so we can share the greatest gift with them of grace and truth and realtional forgiveness.......

shefalie

[Jody M]

I have heard so many reunion stories in the past decade or more where God has reunited persons and the impact that a Christian birth family member can have on that reunion and introducing others to the Lord Jesus Christ is beautiful!
One birth mother I know reunited with her son about 6 years ago. She found out that he was adopted by the doctor who delivered the baby because he had all daughters and always wanted a boy. Sadly this adoptive father/doctor died when the boy was only a few years old and the mother never truly wanted to adopt him. This adoptee lived a challenging childhood with an adoptive mom who was bitter. When he met his birth mom, my friend she shared her faith and took him to church. Through prayer and sharing Jesus with this precious son, He accepted Jesus as His Savior and married a Christian girl this last summer!! This birth mother told me- I believe I was reunited with him as part of God's plan to be his "spiritual mother" leading him to salvation. WOW! She said when she first reunited she was confused as to what position she held in his life and felt she could not go backwards and be his "mother". How awesome that the Lord not only used this birth mother to give this son LIFE but lead him to Jesus so now He will embrace ETERNAL LIFE with the Lord and his birth mother!!

God is awesome in his plans for us and for our adoption journeys! Share your story here!

God bless, Jody