BOOK REVIEW: KnowOrphans by Rick Morton

BOOK INFORMATION

The global orphan crisis is complex. The church's response should be comprehensive, but is it? In this provocative follow-up to Orphanology, author Rick Morton provides the framework for families and churches to have a gospel-centered response to the growing global issue of orphan care. KnowOrphans addresses three distinct areas associated with global orphanology.

Delving deeper into the criticisms of the movement, the need for reform, and what families can expect, author Rick Morton helps shape realistic perceptions of the challenges and rewards adoptive parents face in transnational adoptions. Through illuminating the work internationally adoptive families can expect, KnowOrphans offers solutions for the church in remedying the ills and deficiencies surrounding the church's role in equipping and supporting families before, during, and after the adoption process. Knowing that the church's response and attitude should be one that goes beyond adoption, KnowOrphans also addresses the complexities of how Christians are to respond ethically, compassionately, and comprehensively to the biblical call to care for orphans. KnowOrphans is the next step in conversation as this evangelically based movement of orphan care matures and begins to live out James 1:27 globally.

MY REVIEW

I must admit, I came at this book with some prejudice.  I would like to be able to help with all the of the world's problems, but I can't.  There are so many children and people in need in our own neighborhoods, cities and towns, why is there such a push to take care of the needy in other areas of the world.  Now, before you draw a pencil caricature of me and pin it to a dart board, let me explain two things that have come to mind since then:

1)  Yes, there are needy people all over the world.  One person, one group, one movement cannot help them all.  Our talents and desires are drawn to different opportunities in which to serve others.

2)  Some areas of the world are more equipped to handle the crises of need, and should therefore share of their bounty with others not so blessed with resources.

I appreciate Rick Morton's desire to moderate the statistics of the worldwide orphan situation.  Some of the numbers we read, see or hear in reports are (knowingly or not) inflated in order to draw peoples' attention to this particular issue.  This clouds the business at hand and does nothing to instill confidence in people wondering if money or other resources invested in a particular cause or charity are being used as intended.

He also makes it clear, repeatedly, that no everyone has the call to adopt, whether it be close to home or internationally.  And Mr. Morton does a better job than most at making it clear that someone not able for whatever reason to go all in and adopt numerous times from the international scene is any "less worthy" than someone who does.

If I had a concern with the book it is with the emphasis in tying evangelism to the giving of resources in country or by adopting internationally to live in the United States (or wherever).  Admittedly, as the subtitle of the book is "Mobilizing the Church for Global Orphanology", the target audience is Christian; we Christians, as are adherents of other religions of the world, desire to share our good news with others.

James 1:27 says, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."  I believe we must be careful not to limit our charitable efforts to those who will (at least give lip service) to our beliefs.  The 5,000 did not have to swear an oath of loyalty or sign a declaration of beliefs before they got some of the loaves and fishes.

Morton gives a good resource, framework and argument for the cause close to his heart, orphans of the world.  He provides valuable information to a people who believe in giving service.  He takes on criticism of the world's orphan care groups and provides information on how to mitigate the problems.  KnowOrphans: Mobilizing the Church for Global Orphanology" is a valuable resource for any service or charitable organization, no matter the cause or beliefs of the group members.

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AUTHOR INFORMATION

Rick Morton is the father of three transnational adopted children and coauthor of the popular book "Orphanology: Awakening to Gospel-Centered Adoption and Orphan Care." His dedication to the plight of orphans extends beyond his own family. The Mortons were cofounders of Promise 139, an international orphan-hosting ministry based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. An inspiring speaker for the gospel to be expressed by the church living out God’s heart for the fatherless, Rick presents at adoption and orphan-care conferences and pastor’s conferences. Rick and his family live in the Greater Memphis area.  (from the Litfuse site)

AUTHOR LINKS

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(disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity at no cost to me in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to give a positive review, nor was any other compensation given or received.)