A wonderful thing is beginning in Highlands County. One of those grassroots-created grand ideas that can make a real difference. The state government is only peripherally involved; the federal and county governments not at all.
This is an idea proposed by Missy Albritton. After hearing on the news the number of children in need of stable homes in Florida, and counting 700 churches in Highlands County, it occurred to her that the Christian community could help in a practical way.
Her vision is to connect church congregations with foster children or orphans. Albritton hopes congregations bond together around a needy child. One family could adopt, or foster the child; the rest of the congregation could help financially and in other ways to raise her or him.
Albritton calls her project 1-1-1 -- one child, one family, one congregation.
We think this is both a practical and spiritual idea, with great merit.
On March 22, the Heartland for Children plans a special meeting at the Highlands Park Church of the Nazarene in Lakeland. Heartland for Children supervises adoptions for the state. The agency is in no way connected with 1-1-1.
We urge church pastors and lay leaders to look into this positive, child-saving program. As Christians we have a responsibility to live our beliefs.
Word is getting out, and people are responding. The meeting Friday, March 22 is the perfect time to discover what is involved in adopting or fostering, and how the process works.
A free dinner is being served.
Albritton asks that people RSVP her so organizers will know how much food to prepare -- especially if a church sends a group.
Go to 111projectsl@gmail.com or call Albritton at (863) 781-0306. Give your name, e-mail address, and number attending.
The Lakeland event is designed particularly for pastors, representatives of a congregation, or families considering adopting or fostering a child.
Albritton said replies received by March 8 are entered into a $100 gift card drawing the night of the gathering.
For so long now, our elected representatives and senators have squabbled and gotten nothing done. Within days -- unless some sort of middle ground is found -- federal budget cuts will make it harder than ever to provide for our most vulnerable children.
It's beginning to seem as if our politicians could care less about actually solving problems. It's time we citizens started taking initiative.
Even better, here is an opportunity to do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reasons.
The Highlands Park Church of the Nazarene is at 4777 Lakeland Highlands Road in Lakeland. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013 - www.newssun.com/edt-022713