How then, do we as Christians respond?

Foster-Care and Adoption are wonderful opportunities for the gospel to advance in our country.  It presents:
- an awesome opportunity to teach children about the love of Jesus and to model the Christian life
- a wonderful opportunity to evangelise adults who often ask questions about the Christian carer's motivation to adopt
- a great chance to model racial integration, especially relevant in South Africa's legacy of apartheid and to enrich our lives
- provides us opportunity to act in obedience to God's word to look after widows and orphans (Jm.1:27 and Pr.31:8).
 

Arise:

Arise is an emerging Christian ministry initiated by St. Stephens Bible Church and is dedicated to caring for the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of vulnerable children. Arise invites churches across Cape Town to partner in their ministry. Arise's desire is to combine the provision of high quality services - that will improve the lives of children and their carers - with an unashamed gospel agenda.

What is Arise currently doing?

- Overseeing the placement of vulnerable children into foster care homes
- Supporting foster carers and birth mothers
- Assisting with pre-school costs
- Supporting HIV+ mothers both practically and spiritually
- Supporting a Sunday School and Youth programme
- Runs a weekly After School Bible Club for 50+ children aged 3-12 yrs where children are taught the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ
- Has begun raising the profile of fostering and adoption amongst Christians and expectant mothers in crisis, giving a good alternative to abortion and long-term institutional care

For more info on Arise and how to get involved, click here

Contact: Debbie Burt or Kirsty Naude at St Stephens Church, 86 Belvedere Road, Claremont.
Tel: 021 683 4945  
Email: arise@ststephens.org.za