This is a list of raw concepts that we would like to explore with the WOW fund. At this point, we are simply exploring and praying about how we can partner to help the church more clearly see the need for effective orphan care ministry.
1. Reproducable Adoption Funding Model: We realize that adoption is not the solution, but an important part of the solution. We also realize that most agencies report that the single biggest issue in preventing qualified families from proceeding is funding. The church needs to do more to bridge this gap. Christian families that are qualified for adoption should have the support of a fundining model that will help them cross the threshold to adoption. We would like to explore two approaches with this need. One would be a perpetual fund administered and awared by the WOW fund. Second, we would like to explore building a funding model that can be launched in the home church of families wishing to adopt (and needing funding).
2. Support Seed Adoption: Research and help educate the church on working seed adoption models. Realizing adoption is not for every family and realizing that the problem is much broader...we believe that seed adoption makes a lot of sense. We need to build programs to help educate and be ambassadors for this concept.
3. I would like to have a conversation with Mike @ the Cobblestone Project to discuss how they have built a program in NWA that fosters care for the oppressed. We need to learn about the Farm Project, the Garage Sale for Orphans concept and consider reproducing this in high impact areas nationally. There appears to be a strong network of individuals in NW Arkansas that are doing things both locally and overseas related to Isaiah 1:17 ministry. We want to start a conversation with these individuals and learn from them...potentially partner with them to build out a reproducable model.
4. Project ONE:17: Further investigate the concept of securing 117 committed donors to give $117 per year, $1.17 per day, or $117 per month towards Widows, Orphans or Water Projects. Reverse the focus towards developing this group of people to be the core catalyst for supporting a movement educating the church on the need for high impact ministry centered around Isaiah 1:17. Not to conflict with congregations embracing and working in WOW channels, but to seek congregations that are unaware of the need that currently have broken missions models. Encourage and provide reproducable resources to them. Open up channels.
5. Project 3-2-1: (creatively seeking ways to foster a progression of "Pray...Give...Go and Repeat") Begin dialoge with thought leaders in both orphan care and the church planting movement to discuss developing a sermon series that can be shared within their networks. The series will be a conditioning model that prepares the congregation for a 3-2-1 Pray, Give, Go and Repeat concept. The template will have:
[the PRAY] - 3 Sundays of education asking the congregation to commit to prayer about how God will use them in orphan care ministry (with making a commitment on the 4th Sunday).
[the GIVE] - 2 luxuries/items/meals dinning out/etc. identified to sacrifice on the commitment Sunday, providing extra funding for orphan care ministry.
[the GO] - 1 short-term mission trip funded and directed by the local church (in cordination with our supported orgs, unless the local church has ties to existing effective missions). The goal is really this, to get large percentages of the participating communities going and being moved from feelings to sustained action.
Thus, the 3-2-1 concept. If it gains traction, consider connecting this to a possible book supporting the online template. Make it available to all congregations with great templates, media guides, supporting video, etc..
[continue to build this out with other ideas we have considered...we are just kicking the tires and seeing what sticks at this point]
