$3,000 Matching Grant From Lifesong!!

We've got some very exciting news! As you may know, we have applied to a couple of different grants to try to pay for our adoption costs. 

One ministry that was of particular interest to us was Lifesong for Orphans. They are really a larger organization that works to advocate for orphans in a variety of ways. Not only do they offer adoption grants, loans and fundraising options to families; but they also work in countries to develop schools to care for children (orphan or otherwise impoverished). At these schools, they provide for the basic physical necessities of a child (food, clothes, medical, etc.). They also offer a Christian education (taught by Christian teachers) where the Gospel is clearly taught. This ministry is just plain awesome! If you are remotely interested in orphan care/adoption, you should check it out. 

Anyways, on to the exciting news! We received word from Lifesong on Friday that they have decided to offer us a $3,000 matching grant! In order to receive this grant, we have to raise another $3,000 of support. So, dollar for dollar (up to $3,000), they will match everything that our friends, family, and others give toward our adoption! 

For those of you who have been following our blog, you know that our next financial goal that we're working toward is the $11,000 fee for accepting the referral of a child. Basically, we have to have $11,000 in hand in order to even "say yes" to accept the child that they match to us. Unfortunately, if we do not have the finances ready at that time, we will have to pass on our referral (child matched to us) and wait until our finances are in order. I really am praying that we don't have to be put in that heart-wrenching position. Our dossier should be heading to Ethiopia soon, which means we could be matched with a child at any time. It could take a couple of weeks or it could take up to 6 months for us to receive a referral. There's really no way to tell. 

If we are able to raise the matching funds for the grant from Lifesong, that would put us at $6,000 toward our $11,000 goal. Over half way! Dave and I would be incredibly thankful for your prayers and any financial help that you might be willing to give. Literally, every dollar that you give will be doubled. Any gifts, large or small, will bring us one step closer to bringing our boy home. 

If you'd like to give toward our matching grant at Lifesong, you can follow the instructions below:

Give by Check

1. Please make checks payable to Lifesong for Orphans. 

2. In the memo please note your gift preference with #3677  and Marriott Family. (ie: Preference 1234 Smith)

3. Please mail checks to:

     Lifesong for Orphans 

     PO Box 40 

    Gridley, IL 61744

*Lifesong has been blessed with a partner that underwrites all US administrative and fund-raising costs (TMG Foundation and other partners). That means 100% of your donation will go directly to the need...helping orphans.

Give Online

1. Go to www.lifesongfororphans.org/give/donate

2. Select Give to an Adoptive Family 

3. Complete online form and fill in Family Account Number (#3677) & Family Name (Marriott Family) Fields

*Please note that PayPal will charge an administrative fee (2.9% + $.30 USD per transaction). Your donation will be decreased by the amount of this fee.

*Individual donations $250 or more and yearly donations totaling $250 or more will receive a tax- deductible receipt. Receipts for donations under $250 will gladly be sent upon request. Lifesong is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization.