Key Question: Who are the orphans and widows among us? When seeking to serve the vulnerable, we don’t have to go far. Start small by considering who in your neighborhood, church, or community is in need.
With an estimated 153 million orphans worldwide and the costs of adoption on the rise, fulfilling the call of James 1:27 to care for orphans and widows can feel increasingly challenging. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the average cost of adopting a child in the U.S. is between $20,000-$45,000. In comparison, an international adoption can cost up to $50,000, depending on the country and the number of trips you’ll need to make.
How can we answer this call to be a Just Neighbor when financial barriers seem so daunting? What practical steps can we take to care for the vulnerable in our communities?
Joining us for this discussion is JT Olson, a man who has figured out a way to support two causes at once. His personal experience of being orphaned as a child alongside his four siblings gave him a deep understanding of how crucial it is to provide loving homes for vulnerable children. Today, JT is the Founder and President of Both Hands, a faith-based nonprofit that serves both orphans and widows.
In this episode, you’ll hear the story of how JT’s community rallied around him and his siblings after their parents passed away, why real stories can be more impactful than statistics when it comes to inspiring outreach, why taking the time to help one of your neighbors is key even if you can’t help all of them, and much more.
NEIGHBOR-TO-NEIGHBOR IMPLICATIONS:
- Caring for orphans and widows is often simpler than we might imagine. It doesn’t require traveling across the globe—this vital work can begin right in your backyard through local outreach.
- When you discover a mission that’s both personally fulfilling and addresses a great need in the world, you’ve found your calling. And when God calls us to something, He faithfully equips us with the skills and tools needed to succeed.
- Even the smallest of actions can make a big positive impact—what matters is getting started. Consider how you can take a single step to make a difference for a vulnerable neighbor in your community.
- [BOOK] The Orphan, the Widow & Me: Paying It Forward with Both Hands
- [BOOK] Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance
- Connect with JT on his website, Facebook, Instagram, or send him an email at [email protected]
Meet Our Guest
JT Olson is the Founder and President of Both Hands, a faith-based nonprofit serving orphans and widows. JT’s personal tragedy of being orphaned as a child alongside his four siblings gave him an overwhelming understanding of the need to provide loving homes for the world’s vulnerable children. His book, The Orphan, the Widow & Me: Paying It Forward with Both Hands, follows his powerful journey toward spiritual restoration. JT and his wife, Sara, live just south of Nashville, TN, and have been married for over 30 years. Together, they have five children, four by birth and one by adoption.
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