Summary: Through an interview with Bill Williams from EmberHope, and Alicia Butler, the Wichita Area Director for Safe Families, Pastor Carter explored how Christians can respond to the foster care crisis in Sedgwick County. The conversation revealed multiple pathways for engagement - from full foster care through EmberHope to temporary hosting and support through Safe Families - demonstrating how every believer can play a role in addressing the needs of 1,500 local children in crisis. Both guests shared powerful personal stories of transformation, highlighting how serving vulnerable families not only helps those in need but profoundly impacts those who serve.

 

Icebreaker: Bill Williams shared how a high school student named Luke became their first foster child by jokingly claiming a spare room. Share about a time when something that started as a small moment or casual conversation led to a significant change in your life.

 

Review of Last Weeks I Will Statement:  "I will defend the vulnerable with my time or resources." What barriers or hesitations did you face in trying to live out this commitment?  How did you see God work? What encouragement can you give to others?

 

Discussion Questions:

1. Scripture Focus: Bill Williams called foster care "the invisible mission field that's all around us." How does Jesus' statement in Matthew 19:14 ("Let the little children come to me") challenge our perspective on local mission opportunities?
2. Alicia Butler shared a story about a single mother on bed rest who just needed temporary help. What struck you about how the church community wrapped around this mother? How might this example reshape our understanding of what it means to "help families in crisis"?
3. Bill shared how fostering transformed his family, particularly his youngest daughter who later adopted two teenage girls herself. How have you seen positive examples of faith and service passed down through generations in your own life or others'?
4. The message highlighted what Alicia called "the loneliness epidemic" in our community. How can our small group become more intentional about being a support system for others? What practical steps could we take?
5. Both speakers emphasized different levels of involvement - from fostering to providing temporary care through Safe Families to offering support services. Which of these opportunities resonates most with you right now, and why?

This Week's "I Will" Statement: We are keeping with the same I Will statement as last week: "I will defend the vulnerable with my time or resources." Pathway partners with so many organizations in our community that could be blessed by you. EmberHope and Safe Families are just two. If you would like to find out how to help meet the needs of those in crisis, visit the Foster Care Awareness website at pathwaychurch.com/fostercare or you can find it in the Pathway App.

 

Prayer Prompts:

• Share personal prayer requests
• Pray for the 1,500 children in foster care in Sedgwick County as well as those currently serving as foster parents and Safe Families hosts.
• Ask God for wisdom and clarity about how He wants you to respond to this crisis.

Rewatch the Message

• For further reflection, you can rewatch the message at www.pathwaychurch.com/messages.