Greetings!

It has been an exciting year for Nightlight Christian Adoptions of South Carolina. As you know in April of 2009 Carolina Hope was acquired by Nightlight of California. This transition has been relatively a smooth and successful partnership for all involved. We have really enjoyed working with the California and Colorado staff and are very excited about the new adoption programs we have to offer.

Lest I am unable to hold your attention to the very end, I want you to know that this letter is one of those appeals for support, especially in the form of donations. Unlike a government that can print dollars on demand, we depend on you to hold us up financially and in prayer.

At the close of 2009, I am happy to report that although international adoptions overall have decreased, we have been able to complete 11 international adoptions so far this year. These adoptions were from Guatemala, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, and Cambodia (only open to non US citizens). Our domestic adoption program is going very well and we have seen an increase in the number of birth mothers contacting us. Perhaps the economy is causing more women in crisis pregnancy to consider adoption more carefully. Thanks to the merger, in addition to our adoption programs through China and Ukraine, we are now able to offer adoption programs through Russia, Kazakhstan, Taiwan, and the well recognized Snowflakes embryo adoption program. Lisa Prather, our assistant director recently traveled to Uganda to conduct research and take steps to begin an adoption program through Uganda.

This year we were able to hire another full time social worker who will help with the Snowflakes embryo adoption program and birth mother counseling, as well as continuing her work with adoption home study coordination.

Our mission is to place more children into loving homes and that means we continue to need your help. Over the past several years, as international adoptions have decreased overall and the current economy has decreased the number of families able to afford adoption, we have seen an increased need for donations to offset adoption costs.

As we near the holiday season, we know that we will be hearing from many of you who have adopted children over the years. These stories will bring joy to us as we are reminded of how God has so richly blessed us with the opportunity to be a part of your lives. Each high school and college graduation, each appearance in their first little league game, each gymnastics and dance performance, each doctor’s report on how your child is overcoming the risks of premature birth or prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol, and each testimony to how God has blessed you even in times of parenting stress brings us joy beyond measure.

Please consider a gift to Nightlight – of whatever amount you are able. We understand that we are in difficult economic times, and all of our employees are feeling this too. But in the midst of need, we know there are those who are able to help. If you share our passion for children and life, we ask that you join like minded families in supporting our needs. We can only promise you that we will continue to be the best stewards possible of your gifts and will continue to be an outspoken advocate for those without voices.

Please pray about responding now before this letter takes its place in the “to do later” file. Your tax deductible donation, whether large or small, is greatly needed and appreciated. It is easy to donate online, you may do so by clicking Donate below. Thank you for your commitment, support and faithfulness.

In His service,

Laura Godwin, MPH
Director

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“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”

- Matthew 5:3-9