‘Everybody can do something’: How the faith community is filling in the gap for Tennessee’s foster kids
Jay and Tanya Strother realized their family wasn’t complete after raising three daughters.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Brentwood Baptist Church Pastor Jay Strother and his wife Tanya had already raised three daughters, when they realized their family wasn’t finished quite yet.
“God brought an awareness to the fact there are a lot of kids in the world that need a family,” said Tanya. “We had space in our family and resources and love.”
They were led to Katmandu, Nepal, to adopt their son 13 years ago.
Last fall, they officially adopted 7-year-old Skylar, who they had fostered since she was six weeks old.
“With our son, we have no knowledge of his birth family,” Tanya explained. “It brings on challenges and questions. With Skylar we intentionally built a relationship with her. It was important for her to stay connected with bonds and attachments long-term.”
The family learned so much navigating adoption, they wanted to share their knowledge with others, launching the Foster and Adoption Ministry (FAM) at Brentwood Baptist Church.
“We know Jesus loved children,” said Jay. “They matter to Him, so they should matter to the church as well.”
FAM provides a range of services including training and support groups for foster and adoptive families, supporting case workers, and collecting donations for children in the system.
Tanya says she’s already seen significant change in her daughter.
“We’ve known there is a marked difference in her level of security and confidence since adoption,” said Tanya. ”That sense of permanency really makes a difference with these kiddos.”
“We want to make sure every kid has a sense of security and belonging: this is where I fit, this is where I belong,” added Jay.
Now they hope to see more faith communities jump on board.
“The recent DCS challenges, crisis, shows this problem is so big, no one can do it alone,” said Jay, “not the government, a single church, or non-profit. "
“Not everyone is called to adopt, but everyone is called to do something.”
About 200 children in Tennessee are waiting to be adopted.
Grammy-winning songwriter Christ Tomlin will host a sold-out concert to benefit foster care and adoption on March 29 at Bridgestone Arena.
Click here to learn more about the annual charity event.
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