B21 Looks at “Orphanology”

B21 is thankful to New Hope Publishers for the opportunity to exclusively promote this week Orphanology: Awakening to Gospel-Centered Adoption and Orphan Care. Make sure to check back on the release date of the book, Baptist21 will be giving away a free copy of Orphanology.

 

Below B21 will provide:

  • A link to the endorsements (including B21’s Jonathan Akin)
  • A word from the publisher
  • A look at the Authors
  • A PDF file of the Foreword (by David Platt), the Introduction, and Chapter 1
  • A link to pre-order the book
  • Ways to Connect with Orphanology

Here is what Jonathan Akin had this to say about Orphanology, to be released on April 5th:

“I am grateful to God for the conversation taking place in the church right now about the centrality of the Gospel in all of life. One place where this is clearly seen is in the areas of adoption and orphan care. Those who have been adopted into God’s family as brothers of King Jesus are called to be those who image their Father by caring for the orphan. Tony Merida and Rick Morton have done the church a huge favor with this book because they have clearly shown that Adoption and Orphan care are Gospel issues and have given us intensely practical ways to move our churches to action. This book has especially impacted me because my mom grew up in an orphanage. For a decade she waited in vain for a father to come for her. This book will help churches everywhere say with their Lord Jesus to millions like my mom around the world ‘I will not leave you as orphans; I will come for you!’”

Check out further endorsements of the book by men like: Russell Moore, Matt Carter, Ed Stetzer, Danny Akin, Kevin Ezell and many more…

 

Here is what New Hope Publishers had to say about the book:

When many people hear the word adoption, they think of it as a plan-B way to have children. Others tune out entirely, assuming it has nothing to do with them and their circumstances. And yes, it is true that not everyone is called to adopt. But Scripture and 145 million orphans worldwide do beckon us, the body of Christ, to care and act.

That’s why coauthors Tony Merida and Rick Morton have written their recently released book, Orphanology: Awakening to Gospel-Centered Adoption and Orphan Care, which they hope will bring adoption and orphan care into a new light for many readers.

The needs are urgent. Who will stand up for these tens of millions of children, often left on the street to fend for themselves in underdeveloped countries? Who will stand between them and unscrupulous criminals who would lure them into crime and prostitution? Or closer to home, who will step up to provide loving, Christian care for children in America’s foster care system?

Orphan care is more than just adoption. At the heart of orphan care is grace. Grace that flows from Christ’s redemptive work on the Cross. Grace that reconciles us with God. Grace that we extend through the care of orphans and others (James 1:27).

There is a scriptural mandate for the church to act on behalf of the neediest and most vulnerable among us. That’s why Orphanology is such an exciting resource. It answers the questions: What can I do? What can my family do? What can my church do?

With openness and integrity, Rick and Tony speak from first-hand experience, as both men with their wives have adopted multiple children from overseas. Their book covers practical ways to get involved such as:

  • Assisting adoptive parents in down-to-earth fashion
  • Raising awareness of the crisis in orphan and foster care
  • Developing a fund to assist potential adoptions
  • Hosting orphans for a summer
  • Underwriting an orphanage
  • Starting an orphan care ministry in the local church

In the end, adoption is only a reflection of the most important adoption, our spiritual adoption as sons and daughters of God. Indeed, the gospel transforms not only our identity and eternal destiny, but when rightly understood and applied, it will also transform how we see the world and serve the world.

Authors of Orphanology:

Tony Merida: Tony Merida serves as teaching pastor at Temple Baptist Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He also serves as assistant professor of preaching at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS). In addition, Merida recently authored a book entitled, Faithful Preaching: Declaring Scripture with Responsibility, Passion, and Authenticity. Tony recently announced that he will be joining the faculty at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and will be planting Imago Dei Church in Raleigh. Tony is married to Kimberly and they have five children – Angela, Jana, Victoria, James, and Joshua.

Rick Morton: Rick Morton is the discipleship pastor at Temple Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He is married to Denise and they are the parents of Nick and Erick, eight and seven years old. The Mortons are in the process of expanding their family through the adoption of two more children from Ukraine. Together, the Mortons were a part of cofounding Promise 139, an international orphan-hosting ministry based in Hattiesburg. In addition to local church ministry, Morton has spent more than a decade as a college and seminary professor.

 

Check Out the Foreword, Introduction, and Chapter one

 

To Pre-Order the book, click here

 

Connect with Orphanology