There have always been orphans in Korea, but since the Korean War, the number of orphans in this country has risen. Today, there are thousands of children without parents who are in need of adoption. It is a great need that is largely unnoticed or ignored by Christians and non-Christians alike. It is time for the Korean church to rise up and to face this issue through biblical eyes and God? perspective.

In Korea, certain married couples and singles of Korean citizenship can adopt a Korean child for free. In contrast, non-Korean citizens have to pay up to $40,000 dollars(40,000 ,000 Won) to adopt a child, whether in Korea or abroad. Free adoption is a rare and special privilege that is being ignored in this country. The Korean government even provides a monthly stipend and free health insurance for the child(and even higher payments and benefits for children with disabilities).

 The theme of adoption is strong in Paul's letters. He develops the theology of adoption in passages such as Rom 8:15~23, Rom 9:4, Gal 4:5, and Eph 1:5. Paul teaches that all Christians are adopted into God's family as sons and daughters of the Most High. Once, we were enemies of God, orphaned by sin. Now, through Christ, we have been freed from the spirit of fear and have been given the spirit of adoption, by whom we are able to call Go ?bba?(Rom 8:15). Because the Bible teaches that all Christians are adopted, adoption is a thoroughly biblical concept that should be embraced by all believers.

 And yet, in Korean culture, there is a strong stigma against adoption. Because family blood lines are so important in Korean society, adoption is considered shameful, abnormal, or incompatible with Korean family values as it creates a disruption in the blood line. However, Christians should not accept this secular worldview. Spiritual ties are far more important than blood ties; spiritual ties last for eternity while blood lines are temporary. It is only reasonable for Korean children to be adopted by their own people.

Unfortunately, most Korean orphans are adopted by non-Koreans. May 11th of each year is Adoption Day. This May, please pray about adopting a precious child into your family if you are eligible, and especially if you have personally experienced the blessing of being adopted into God's family as a child of God.

For more information, please go to www. holt.or.kr. / Isaac Surh

 

OEM pastors ministering to orphans in Thailand