Over the summer, Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot hit theaters across the country. This film tells the powerful true story of Donna and Bishop Martin as they ignited a fire in the hearts of their rural church to embrace children in foster care who needed a home.
Their East Texas community stepped up to do the impossible and adopt 77 children out of foster care. There were many challenges along the way, but through the grace of God and the strength of their conviction, they came together and transformed lives. Their story is a testament to the call for Christians to care for orphans and ensure every child knows the love and security of a family. I am so thrilled to have gotten the chance to sit down and chat with Donna and Bishop—the pair who led this inspiring movement.
In this episode, you’ll hear the circumstances that led Bishop and Donna to serve the foster care community, why their action inspired a community to do the same, how God has given a specific charge to the church to help children in need, and much more.
TAKEAWAYS FROM TODAY’S CONVERSATION:
1. Everyone needs family.
No matter who you are, every single person was created to thrive within the love of a family. Family is so important to God that he mentions it many times in Scripture: “God sets the lonely in families…” (Psalms 68:6 NIV). Even adults who have grown up and started living on their own need ongoing love and support from their families. So when we see people who are in need of family or community, we are called to come alongside them just as we would for our blood relatives.
“Every child—biological, foster, every living child, every living person—needs to experience and have unconditional love.”
2. God has uniquely called the church.
God has given a special charge and power to the church. While the state can contribute much value when it comes to helping children and families who are in crisis, we as the church can never allow ourselves to become complacent. Ultimately, it is our duty to collaborate with the state so that the best possible solutions can be created for the foster care community.
“The only entity in this world that God ordained and gave power to is the church.”
3. Make a difference with what you’ve got.
Bishop reminds us that if his small, rural community in Possum Trot could come together and create a life-changing impact with their limited resources, then anyone can make a difference. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking your contribution is too small to matter, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. You don’t need endless resources or a big budget to make a meaningful impact. What truly matters is staying committed, pushing through challenges, and refusing to give up when obstacles arise.
“When God calls you, he equips you day by day. It’s a daily walk.”
Meet Our Guests
Bishop W.C. and Donna Martin have been married for over 30 years. Together they have six children, four through adoption, and six grandchildren. They have dedicated over two decades to serving the community of Possum Trot, Texas, as the pastor and first lady of Bennett Chapel. Their remarkable adoption story, which began in 1997 when they adopted two children, has captivated audiences across the nation through the recent release of the film Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot. Bishop Martin and Donna are sought-after speakers who travel across the country to lead keynote seminars and sessions on topics of adoption, foster care, and community building. Their mission is to inspire Christians to embrace the care of orphans, ensuring that every child finds a loving home.
Get encouragement and updates in your inbox.
Be the first to know about new episodes, posts, resources, and stay in the loop about what’s coming up.
Other Episodes You Might Enjoy:
