Laura-Valentine Lock is a college freshman and activist who has rasied tens of thousands of dollars to make adoption possible for vulnerable children, especially those abandoned or at risk of abandonment. In honor of National Adoption Month (November), we spoke about her ministry.
1) When did you first realize you were adopted by your adoptive parents?
Growing up I always knew I was adopted; my parents didn't keep that a secret from me. I knew I was different. But I truly didn't get the idea of being abandoned or adopted until I was in middle school.
2) Can you describe how you felt on that first mission trip when you realized not all orphaned children had the opportunity for a loving family as you have had?
When I went on my first missions trip with my high school to Mukono, Uganda we worked at an orphanage and it shocked me. I saw firsthand the cruel existence that these children face.
I felt pain and guilt. I really questioned, "Why me? Why was I chosen?” Being chosen made me feel more humbled and honored. It was a wake-up call for me and I realized I wanted to do something good and to give back to provide other children the same opportunities I’d been given. I returned home and began funding adoptions through my music and performances.
I realized I wanted to do something good and to give back to provide other children the same opportunities I’d been given.
3) If you could speak to families considering adopting a child from overseas, what would you say to them?
The wonderful thing about adoption is that it can be international and domestic. Now more than ever, international adoptions have been harder, due to stricter regulations, as well as some countries shutting down adoptions altogether. Also, with the recent outbreak of Ebola, there are more children abandoned due to the death of their parents. There are kids needing parents, and needing the love of Jesus, so don’t give up and be open to all possibilities.
4) Many families want to adopt but don't have the financial resources. How would you encourage them?
I’ve learned that if it is in God's will, he will provide the finances. It may take days, weeks, months, and even years, but God will provide. It's all his timing. There are resources and grants available to help couples financially. That's one reason why I founded Laura-Valentine Ministries; I wanted to help couples afford the chance to adopt and advance the growth of God’s kingdom. This fall we held a sweepstakes to gift one couple up to $20,000 toward their adoption costs. If you want to adopt and need some financial help, contact us. Through a Laura-Valentine performance at your church, school, or in your community, along with product sales, we can help you raise support.
There are kids needing parents, and needing the love of Jesus, so don’t give up. Be open to all possibilities.
5) As you visit churches around the country, are you finding an increasing openness to adoption among Christians?
I believe so. We encourage Christians that adoption doesn’t have to be a last resort; it can be the first. More and more churches are recognizing that they need an adoption department within their church. They understand that adoption is such a close knit connection to our Lord and Savior; we are all adopted into God's family, and having the chance to adopt on earth is incredible!
Daniel Darling is vice-president of communications for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. He is the author of several books, including his latest, Activist Faith.
