Paul Batura & Jackson TerKeust: Changing Lives and the World Through Adoption | Takeaways with Kirk Cameron

August 11, 2025 | 54:52

Kirk Cameron is joined by Paul Batura sharing stories of well-known people whose lives were changed through adoption and Jackson TerKeurst shares his personal adoption story.

#Author #Culture #Adoption #Change #Family #Blessing #Preparation #Heart #Love #LoveofGod #Choices #PersonalStory #Humaninterest #Testimony

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Takeaways with Kirk Cameron | Paul Batura & Jackson TerKeust: Changing Lives and the World Through Adoption | Takeaways with Kirk Cameron | August 11, 2025

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Kirk cameron: babe ruth, johann sebastian bach, faith hill, and
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Steve jobs.
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Do you know what these great and talented people had in common?
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They were all adopted, and through loving, kind families,
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They were given opportunities to live their dreams and use their
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Talents for greatness.
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We're gonna talk today with paul batura on changing the world
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Through adoption and author jackson terkeurst sharing his
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Experience of being adopted and how god changed his life.
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Let's get to it right now on "takeaways."
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Paul batura: there is a need, there's an opportunity, there
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Are blessings to be had if families would
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Consider adoption.
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Jackson terkeurst: i would say adopting a kid from a different
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World is to remember that don't just prepare your home, but
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Prepare your heart.
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Kirk: my first guest today is paul batura, the vice president
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Of communications for focus on the family, and he serves as the
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Editor in chief of the daily citizen, the organization's
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Digital news publication.
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He's also authored eight books, including this one.
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It's called, "chosen for greatness: how adoption changes
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The world."
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Paul, thanks so much for coming on "takeaways."
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Paul: kirk, it's great to be with you.
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Kirk: well, adoption is a big part of your family story and my
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Family's story, and i love that you are helping us understand
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That people that are very famous that we never knew were
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Adopted actually were able to impact the world, not in spite
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Of their adoption, but because of their adoption.
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Paul: no, that's exactly right.
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And as you know, you and chelsea can relate to this, but when
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You're raising children who are adopted, at least from my
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Perspective, we wanted to try and encourage them to remind
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Them that they weren't operating behind the curve, that they had
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An opportunity here to do something great.
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And so we would tell them stories at night about well
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Known people who were adopted.
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And so much, in fact, i think they almost started to think
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That everybody was adopted, and that could be a little bit
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Too much.
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But that's what motivated me to just put these stories down on
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Paper and share them with other people.
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Kirk: you know, my wife chelsea and i, we adopted our first four
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Kids, and my wife chelsea is an adopted child, so is her
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Brother, so this was very, very familiar and natural to her.
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But adoption is such a beautiful picture of god's love for us
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With--as his children.
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And i wanna talk all about it.
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Who are some of the people in your book that we wouldn't
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Suspect, but are actually adoptees?
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Paul: well, yeah, i mean, i kind of went at it from a few
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Different points of view.
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There's historical and there's people that you see in the news
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Every day.
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I start off the book talking about steve jobs.
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Well steve jobs talked about how you can't connect the dots
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Looking forward, but you can connect them looking backwards.
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What i love about the steve jobs story is he was born to a woman
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Who lived in the midwest.
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She came to california.
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She made an adoption plan with another family, but they--turns
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Out they wanted a girl, and when it was a boy, so steve was
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Adopted by another couple, paul and clara jobs.
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Well, paul's--steve's father, paul, happened to be a tinkerer,
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Had a workshop in the garage, happened to grow up on a street
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Surrounded by hp executives.
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It was the perfect environment for someone with
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Steve's inclinations.
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And so as i'm making the point, if it were not for steve being
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Adopted by the family he was adopted by, i don't think apple,
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I don't think the iphone you have in your pocket would exist.
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That's how instrumental adoption was to steve jobs, his career.
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Kirk: that is so interesting and i can think of biblical
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Characters who we forget were also adopted.
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Moses was adopted.
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What if moses had not been adopted by pharaoh's daughter?
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What if jesus had not been adopted by joseph and he had
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Actually divorced mary because of this unplanned pregnancy?
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What--before we get into more of these specific stories, what
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Inspired you to write this book about adoption?
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Paul: well, as i said, my, you know, julie, my wife and i had
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The privilege of adopting three boys.
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And i was sort of a reluctant adoptive father.
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I was struggling with the idea that, one, it was intimidating
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To me.
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The idea that there would be an open, you know, open adoption
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Was extremely intimidating to me.
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And yet when we started to research it and realized there's
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A lot more people out there adopted than you might think and
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We started to tell our children these stories, i just thought
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This was an encouraging truth that all of these stories can
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Encourage other people like me who might be intimidated that
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I'm not prepared for this, that i couldn't emotionally
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Handle it.
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In fact, i really could and in fact, we could give our kids a
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Life that they otherwise wouldn't have.
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Kirk: yeah, that's interesting that it was intimidating.
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I mean, i sometimes i think that maybe i just wasn't
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Paying attention.
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I kind of thought it would be easier.
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It would save my wife a lot of pain.
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And, you know, it's just, you know, one day we didn't have a
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Child and the next day we had a child.
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And our experience was absolutely great with adopting
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Our kids.
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Paul: yeah, i mean, every adoption story is unique.
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I mean, when you read the book or you talk to people who have
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Adopted or were adopted, they're always all unique and, you know,
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I work at focus on the family and my boss at the time of our
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First adoption, dr. james dobson.
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And when we were presented with this opportunity to adopt our
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First son, well, we were being chosen that she was looking at
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Other potential adoptive parents, so i asked dr. dobson
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If you would write a letter of recommendation for us.
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And he said, "i'll do it, but i first and foremost want to
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Encourage that woman and thank her for carrying that child
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To term."
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And she carried that letter with her.
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That meant a lot to her.
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It encouraged her.
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And so that's another piece of this conversation, that these
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Courageous women who carry their children to term knowing that
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They're gonna place them with another family, that is a
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Tremendous sacrifice.
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And it was--it helped us to see adoption from
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Another perspective.
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When you walk through a birth and an adoption process, you
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Know, we tend to think of adoption as this happy,
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Wonderful reunion of new parents and child.
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Well, there's a mom on the other side who is giving up the
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Privilege of raising, and she chose us because she said, "i
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Knew i could be a mom, but i knew i couldn't be a dad."
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And talk about a humbling thing to be told that that's why you
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Get a chance to be an adoptive dad, that really changed the
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Paradigm for me.
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Kirk: do you think that behind every adoption there is a series
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Of god ordained moments?
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Paul: god works through all kinds of people to accomplish
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All kinds of things.
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And i don't think there's anything as a coincidence.
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I don't think there's anything as sheer luck.
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I mean, that's yours and my theology i think is that things
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Don't just happen.
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I mean, we have to be prepared to be used by the lord, but if
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You look at each of these stories that i chose to
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Highlight, all of them, all of them couldn't have just happened
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By mere chance.
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Kirk: yeah, i love one of the stories that you tell in "chosen
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For greatness" about how it is likely that ronald reagan never
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Would have been the governor of the state of california or the
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President of the united states if his wife nancy reagan had not
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Been adopted, tell that story.
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Paul: that's right, yeah, the ronald reagan story starts
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Actually with a woman named ann robbins.
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That's nancy reagan.
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Ann robbins was born to a struggling actress in new york
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Who put her off with her sister, went off to pursue acting, years
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And years go by, her mom, her biological mom remarries,
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Marries a surgeon by the name of loyal davis.
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Nancy rejoins the family.
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She's called nancy, but her former name is ann.
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But she joins the family and she wants to change her name.
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And she wants to change her name to davis because that's her new
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Adoptive father's last name.
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So she does.
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Well now, she's now nancy davis.
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Well, she goes out to hollywood and tries to start getting work
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In hollywood.
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Well, there's another nancy davis who's on the communist
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Sympathizer list.
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And so they said, "well, you need to take care of this, and
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Here's who you need to go talk to to take care of it."
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And it was ronald reagan.
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And that's how she met ronald reagan.
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And if she had not had her name changed through adoption, she
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Would never have had the opportunity to meet
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Ronald reagan.
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And loyal davis, who was her--who was her adoptive
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Father, was a member of the john birch society.
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And ronald reagan, as most of your viewers probably know, he
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Grew up a democrat.
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He was a liberal, not liberal like today, but he was a
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Traditional democrat.
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Loyal davis and ronald reagan would talk for hours over dinner
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About politics, about culture, and loyal started influencing
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Ronald reagan.
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And that became the ronald reagan who decided to run for
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Governor of california and then president of the united states.
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Had there been no nancy davis, there would be no president
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Ronald reagan.
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Kirk: wow, what a great story.
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It makes sense that you're the director of communications in
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Focus on the family.
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These are incredible stories.
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I absolutely love these.
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Is there anything in the researching and writing of your
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Book, "chosen for greatness," that jumps out at you as
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Surprising about one of the individuals?
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Paul: you know, i think that the common themes that i see, which
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Are that people didn't succeed in spite of being adopted, but
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Because they were adopted.
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I mean, dave thomas, who hasn't had a wendy's hamburger before?
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Well, dave thomas was adopted.
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Dave thomas, though, his adoption didn't go so great.
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His birth--his adoptive mother died.
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So his adoptive father and dave would go out to dinner and would
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Go to, you know, greasy spoons, and dave would watch the whole
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Restaurant scene unfold.
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And he became enamored with the idea of serving other people.
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Well, the lord used that tragedy to help dave thomas find his
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Calling in life.
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And again, it's an example of adoption really paving the way
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For his future and then dave thomas foundation is an adoption
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Foundation that helps other people who can't
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Afford adoption.
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Kirk: this is great.
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And i wanna drill down deeper into this for families today who
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Are considering adoption and have questions.
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After the break we'll talk more with paul about the blessings of
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Adoption, and then later in the program jackson terkeurst will
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Share his testimony of how being adopted changed his life.
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Don't go away.
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Jackson: and when i first met her, i mean god just did his
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Thing to where i just walked up and said, "hi mom."
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Thing to where i just walked up and said, "hi mom."
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Kirk: we're back with paul batura, the author of "chosen
00:11:05.377 --> 00:11:08.214
For greatness: how adoption changes the world."
00:11:08.214 --> 00:11:12.017
When you were researching for your book, have you noticed some
00:11:12.017 --> 00:11:16.288
Patterns in terms of characteristics, personality
00:11:16.288 --> 00:11:19.592
Traits, or qualities that are--or virtues that are common
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Among adoptees?
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Paul: sure, there's several, but probably the biggest one, and i
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Know that this isn't absolute, but there's a curiosity in the
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Minds of most children who are adopted.
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They have a curiosity about their origin family, you know,
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Their mom specifically and their father as they grow older.
00:11:38.544 --> 00:11:42.314
And, you know, it can sometimes lay very, very low.
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It can then sometimes become extremely evident.
00:11:46.018 --> 00:11:50.589
This people of your audience may remember the name
00:11:50.589 --> 00:11:53.025
Art linkletter.
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Art linkletter did this great show, "kids say the
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Darndest things."
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Well, he discovered he was adopted by accident, which is
00:11:57.396 --> 00:12:00.166
Another topic of conversation.
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You know, we recommend that parents who do adopt never not
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Talk about their kids being--not talk about it.
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Like they should know they were adopted before they even
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Understand what adoption means.
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Art discovered because he saw a letter on his parents' dresser
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And began reading it and he started to in his mind envision
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His mom, his biological mom and dad.
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And it really occupied and monopolized a lot of his
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Childhood, not in a healthy way.
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And so, but that curiosity is probably the number one trait
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That you see.
00:12:33.399 --> 00:12:34.733
And it's not a bad thing.
00:12:34.733 --> 00:12:36.101
It's a normal thing, a natural thing, and open adoption is more
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And more common now.
00:12:38.871 --> 00:12:40.239
So i know we share that with our families that the different
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Limiting, different levels of engagement with the adoptive and
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Biological parents.
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Kirk: what are some of the fears that couples have that keep them
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From adopting?
00:12:54.086 --> 00:12:55.421
Paul: yeah, i think the first one that i see often is "i can't
00:12:55.421 --> 00:12:58.357
Afford it."
00:12:58.357 --> 00:12:59.692
You get that all the time.
00:12:59.692 --> 00:13:01.026
Kirk: that's legitimate.
00:13:01.026 --> 00:13:02.361
Paul: it's expensive. it can be expensive.
00:13:02.361 --> 00:13:03.696
You know, there's different ways to adopt.
00:13:03.696 --> 00:13:05.030
You can adopt through the foster care system.
00:13:05.030 --> 00:13:07.933
You better have strong, thick skin to do that because
00:13:07.933 --> 00:13:10.436
Different states have different systems and it's more
00:13:10.436 --> 00:13:14.673
Challenging in some states than others.
00:13:14.673 --> 00:13:17.009
But there's also the insecurities, as i
00:13:17.009 --> 00:13:18.677
Mentioned earlier.
00:13:18.677 --> 00:13:20.045
You know, as an adoptive dad, i wondered not would i be able to
00:13:20.045 --> 00:13:23.449
Love a child as much as a biological child, but would that
00:13:23.449 --> 00:13:27.453
Child look at me the same way?
00:13:27.453 --> 00:13:29.755
Would they think, "if i ever got to meet my biological family,
00:13:29.755 --> 00:13:33.926
Would i love them more than i love him?"
00:13:33.926 --> 00:13:37.196
I mean, that's to be completely vulnerable and honest, i did
00:13:37.196 --> 00:13:39.698
Wonder that and i was a little fearful in that.
00:13:39.698 --> 00:13:42.701
Kirk: wow.
00:13:42.701 --> 00:13:44.036
You know, i never really thought about that when i adopted our
00:13:44.036 --> 00:13:45.938
Kids, but how that father may have felt and that wishing he
00:13:45.938 --> 00:13:49.775
Could have been a dad.
00:13:49.775 --> 00:13:51.510
They're not all deadbeat guys who are just looking to bail on
00:13:51.510 --> 00:13:54.113
The girl, but they just know they can't give what they want
00:13:54.113 --> 00:13:59.184
Their child to have.
00:13:59.184 --> 00:14:00.519
Paul: our oldest son, who is now 19, almost 20, when he graduated
00:14:00.519 --> 00:14:04.857
From high school, we home school and we have a home
00:14:04.857 --> 00:14:07.626
School ceremony.
00:14:07.626 --> 00:14:08.961
And his birth mom came to his graduation and they're up on
00:14:08.961 --> 00:14:13.165
Stage where we held it.
00:14:13.165 --> 00:14:15.301
We held it at focus on the family.
00:14:15.301 --> 00:14:17.670
Our son riley was there with julie, my wife, and his mom, and
00:14:17.670 --> 00:14:22.942
His biological mom, juliana, stood by him, by his side.
00:14:22.942 --> 00:14:27.646
And i just thought it was just a tremendous picture of the way
00:14:27.646 --> 00:14:31.450
The lord can redeem things.
00:14:31.450 --> 00:14:33.452
And he's had a good relationship with her through the years.
00:14:33.452 --> 00:14:36.388
They don't talk a lot, but they talk, you know, regularly and
00:14:36.388 --> 00:14:39.358
She's in his life and she's aware of what's going on and she
00:14:39.358 --> 00:14:42.428
Can pray for him and encourage him.
00:14:42.428 --> 00:14:44.763
And it's just a great and not a--it's not an ending, it's just
00:14:44.763 --> 00:14:48.968
Part of his story.
00:14:48.968 --> 00:14:50.402
And it's a very, very wonderful thing to see.
00:14:50.402 --> 00:14:54.006
Kirk: paul, why is the birth of jesus the ultimate
00:14:54.006 --> 00:14:57.843
Adoption story?
00:14:57.843 --> 00:14:59.178
Paul: yeah, well, you mentioned that you alluded to it earlier.
00:14:59.178 --> 00:15:01.480
Joseph is an adoptive dad.
00:15:01.480 --> 00:15:03.115
I had not thought of that at this time and we know that jesus
00:15:03.115 --> 00:15:07.119
Was born to mary, the virgin, but joseph had nothing to do
00:15:07.119 --> 00:15:11.190
With this.
00:15:11.190 --> 00:15:12.558
He's the adoptive dad.
00:15:12.558 --> 00:15:13.892
So there's that, and just the whole christmas story, you know,
00:15:13.892 --> 00:15:17.396
We tend to think of the christmas story.
00:15:17.396 --> 00:15:19.131
We sing about it as it's some idyllic thing.
00:15:19.131 --> 00:15:21.567
Well, it really wasn't.
00:15:21.567 --> 00:15:22.935
I mean, it was rather chaotic.
00:15:22.935 --> 00:15:24.269
It was mayhem and it was, obviously, a complete shock to a
00:15:24.269 --> 00:15:29.475
Lot of people.
00:15:29.475 --> 00:15:30.809
And of course, jesus, mary, and joseph had to escape, you know,
00:15:30.809 --> 00:15:35.114
Being chased out of town.
00:15:35.114 --> 00:15:37.249
Kirk: and joseph, i think also he's believing by faith that,
00:15:37.249 --> 00:15:42.254
You know, the angel, the voice, this wasn't just a dream and a
00:15:42.254 --> 00:15:45.457
Hallucination and that his wife had not been, you
00:15:45.457 --> 00:15:50.729
Know, promiscuous.
00:15:50.729 --> 00:15:52.064
She was actually pregnant from the holy spirit himself.
00:15:52.064 --> 00:15:55.401
Paul: right, yeah.
00:15:55.401 --> 00:15:56.769
And the larger issue you allude to, we're all adopted into
00:15:56.769 --> 00:16:00.639
God's family.
00:16:00.639 --> 00:16:01.974
Adoption is this incredible transaction if you wanna look at
00:16:01.974 --> 00:16:05.677
It from a legal standpoint, where you literally extend to
00:16:05.677 --> 00:16:09.915
That child all the rights and all the privileges that they
00:16:09.915 --> 00:16:13.352
Would have if they were your biological child.
00:16:13.352 --> 00:16:16.655
And as christians who accept the sacrifice of christ on the
00:16:16.655 --> 00:16:23.028
Cross, we're given all the privileges of being part of
00:16:23.028 --> 00:16:27.032
His family.
00:16:27.032 --> 00:16:28.367
We don't deserve it.
00:16:28.367 --> 00:16:29.735
We are not at all worthy of it, and yet we're given it.
00:16:29.735 --> 00:16:34.073
And that to me is the ultimate, you know, it's adoption into
00:16:34.073 --> 00:16:38.811
God's family.
00:16:38.811 --> 00:16:40.145
Kirk: yeah, it's absolutely stunning and incredible.
00:16:40.145 --> 00:16:43.015
Adoption is at the center of god's heart.
00:16:43.015 --> 00:16:45.617
Adoption ought to be at the center of our hearts too.
00:16:45.617 --> 00:16:48.454
And i love how you can just change two letters in the word
00:16:48.454 --> 00:16:51.824
Abortion and you discover the word adoption.
00:16:51.824 --> 00:16:55.994
And i think it really is the solution.
00:16:55.994 --> 00:16:58.063
Paul: there is.
00:16:58.063 --> 00:16:59.398
There's about a million abortions every year in this
00:16:59.398 --> 00:17:02.234
Country, maybe more now with the chemical and the awful mail
00:17:02.234 --> 00:17:06.905
Order abortions.
00:17:06.905 --> 00:17:08.307
There's about a million couples waiting to adopt.
00:17:08.307 --> 00:17:12.377
How great is that ratio?
00:17:12.377 --> 00:17:14.546
I mean, there are enough families to solve the abortion
00:17:14.546 --> 00:17:19.618
Issue if those moms and those dads who are part of this, you
00:17:19.618 --> 00:17:25.124
Know, we talk about birth fathers, they're part of the
00:17:25.124 --> 00:17:28.927
Calculus here after the fact.
00:17:28.927 --> 00:17:30.896
You know, they can encourage the moms to carry the child to term,
00:17:30.896 --> 00:17:34.566
To make a plan.
00:17:34.566 --> 00:17:35.934
You know, we often talk about, you know, we wanna talk about
00:17:35.934 --> 00:17:40.072
Making adoption plans 'cause keeping a child is important,
00:17:40.072 --> 00:17:43.542
But often making an adoption plan not only saves the child,
00:17:43.542 --> 00:17:47.546
But gives the child what they otherwise wouldn't have.
00:17:47.546 --> 00:17:49.882
Kirk: as illustrated in the stories that you tell in your
00:17:49.882 --> 00:17:54.052
Book with ronald reagan and steve jobs and gerald ford, it's
00:17:54.052 --> 00:17:58.290
Just amazing to see god's orchestration and working all
00:17:58.290 --> 00:18:01.460
These things together for good, particularly for those who
00:18:01.460 --> 00:18:04.630
Love him.
00:18:04.630 --> 00:18:05.964
Paul, if there's one thing that you hope people will take away
00:18:05.964 --> 00:18:08.333
From your book, what is it?
00:18:08.333 --> 00:18:11.236
Paul: well, i hope that if there's someone out there who is
00:18:11.236 --> 00:18:13.505
Thinking about adopting, if they are afraid to do it, that they
00:18:13.505 --> 00:18:17.743
Would open their heart to the possibility because it can not
00:18:17.743 --> 00:18:22.047
Only--it will not only change their life, it'll change that
00:18:22.047 --> 00:18:25.117
Child's life.
00:18:25.117 --> 00:18:26.485
There is a need, there's an opportunity, there are blessings
00:18:26.485 --> 00:18:29.888
To be had if families would consider adoption.
00:18:29.888 --> 00:18:33.725
And that's what i hope this book will do.
00:18:33.725 --> 00:18:35.327
And i hope it will also encourage someone out there who
00:18:35.327 --> 00:18:38.830
Was adopted and who recognizes them.
00:18:38.830 --> 00:18:41.500
God had a plan for this.
00:18:41.500 --> 00:18:43.202
It's not a mistake.
00:18:43.202 --> 00:18:44.536
They weren't plan b. they were--this is plan a.
00:18:44.536 --> 00:18:47.406
God does not make mistakes.
00:18:47.406 --> 00:18:49.741
Kirk: that's right. absolutely.
00:18:49.741 --> 00:18:51.243
And so if you're watching this and maybe you have been longing
00:18:51.243 --> 00:18:55.747
And praying for a healthy pregnancy and that's just not
00:18:55.747 --> 00:18:59.484
Happened and all of a sudden now you are considering adoption,
00:18:59.484 --> 00:19:04.790
This could be the orchestration, the hand of god, so that that
00:19:04.790 --> 00:19:10.896
Child that the lord brings to you is in the perfect home and
00:19:10.896 --> 00:19:15.000
Under the perfect care of his adoptive mom and dad.
00:19:15.000 --> 00:19:18.237
And maybe that's you.
00:19:18.237 --> 00:19:19.638
Maybe, maybe you are part of that child's plan that cannot
00:19:19.638 --> 00:19:24.443
Happen any other way but through you being open and
00:19:24.443 --> 00:19:29.214
Embracing adoption.
00:19:29.214 --> 00:19:30.582
Paul, thank you so much for coming on "takeaways."
00:19:30.582 --> 00:19:32.517
Paul: thank you, kirk.
00:19:32.517 --> 00:19:33.885
Kirk: next, jackson terkeurst is gonna talk with us about his
00:19:33.885 --> 00:19:37.222
Personal adoption journey right after the break.
00:19:37.222 --> 00:19:39.758
Kirk: welcome back.
00:19:43.061 --> 00:19:44.396
I wanna take a moment to introduce you to an amazing
00:19:44.396 --> 00:19:46.131
Person who is representing an amazing organization that i'm so
00:19:46.131 --> 00:19:50.135
Excited for you to learn about.
00:19:50.135 --> 00:19:51.470
Her name is courtney blair, and she serves as senior director of
00:19:51.470 --> 00:19:54.539
Global brand at mercy ships.
00:19:54.539 --> 00:19:56.875
They exist to transform lives through surgery and improve
00:19:56.875 --> 00:20:00.846
Healthcare systems through education and training.
00:20:00.846 --> 00:20:03.582
Courtney, thanks so much for joining us.
00:20:03.582 --> 00:20:05.083
Courtney blair: yeah, and thanks so much for having me, kirk.
00:20:05.083 --> 00:20:07.119
Kirk: mercy ships is pure ministry.
00:20:07.119 --> 00:20:10.122
I absolutely love what you do.
00:20:10.122 --> 00:20:12.057
Would you tell us more about what mercy ships is and why
00:20:12.057 --> 00:20:15.761
You exist?
00:20:15.761 --> 00:20:17.095
Courtney: oh, i love it and i love that you love it, kirk.
00:20:17.095 --> 00:20:18.964
To me it's one of the most unique organizations,
00:20:18.964 --> 00:20:21.867
International nonprofits out there.
00:20:21.867 --> 00:20:24.269
We exist to transform lives just like you said through surgery
00:20:24.269 --> 00:20:28.206
And through training.
00:20:28.206 --> 00:20:29.541
We offer surgery to people that don't have access to safe
00:20:29.541 --> 00:20:33.412
Medical care.
00:20:33.412 --> 00:20:34.746
Kirk: that's right.
00:20:34.746 --> 00:20:36.114
I learned the statistics that nearly 90% of the world's
00:20:36.114 --> 00:20:38.650
Population doesn't have access to surgical care that's safe and
00:20:38.650 --> 00:20:42.688
Affordable and timely, and so 17 million people a year die
00:20:42.688 --> 00:20:47.759
Because they don't have access, but half of them live close to a
00:20:47.759 --> 00:20:50.462
Coast, so mercy ships can reach them.
00:20:50.462 --> 00:20:53.365
And i think of this floating hospital that is filled with
00:20:53.365 --> 00:20:56.768
Volunteers that comes to provide these kinds of surgeries and
00:20:56.768 --> 00:21:00.138
It's just beautiful.
00:21:00.138 --> 00:21:01.473
What kind of surgeries does mercy ships offer?
00:21:01.473 --> 00:21:05.210
Courtney: maxillofacial, and so those in the us may not be
00:21:05.210 --> 00:21:08.146
Familiar with maxillofacial surgeries, but they're
00:21:08.146 --> 00:21:10.949
Large tumors.
00:21:10.949 --> 00:21:12.284
Many of them start with just a bump in the mouth, maybe an
00:21:12.284 --> 00:21:15.387
Abscess, and then it continues to grow.
00:21:15.387 --> 00:21:18.623
This would be treated just like that in the united states, but
00:21:18.623 --> 00:21:22.794
In these countries along the western coast of africa, we find
00:21:22.794 --> 00:21:26.865
Many of those tumors grow, many of those problems continue to
00:21:26.865 --> 00:21:30.502
Grow because there's not a surgeon, they don't have access
00:21:30.502 --> 00:21:33.572
To that safe surgical care.
00:21:33.572 --> 00:21:35.173
Kirk: and so you offer those.
00:21:35.173 --> 00:21:37.376
And what other kinds of surgeries?
00:21:37.376 --> 00:21:38.710
Courtney: cleft lip surgery, and those are usually performed when
00:21:38.710 --> 00:21:43.749
A baby is first born.
00:21:43.749 --> 00:21:45.083
Right in infancy stage.
00:21:45.083 --> 00:21:46.985
But for many people again, in the countries where we are
00:21:46.985 --> 00:21:52.057
Serving and partnering with them, they don't have access to
00:21:52.057 --> 00:21:56.128
That type of medical care.
00:21:56.128 --> 00:21:58.397
Another is orthopedic surgery.
00:21:58.397 --> 00:22:00.699
So some of our kids with bowed legs and they grow up in their
00:22:00.699 --> 00:22:04.636
Bones and their joints are twisted, making it really
00:22:04.636 --> 00:22:07.172
Painful to walk.
00:22:07.172 --> 00:22:09.174
Cataract surgery and then also women's health.
00:22:09.174 --> 00:22:11.510
Kirk: that's amazing. that's amazing.
00:22:11.510 --> 00:22:12.844
Now is it really true that everyone on the ship
00:22:12.844 --> 00:22:16.148
Are volunteers?
00:22:16.148 --> 00:22:18.016
The doctors, the nurses, all the support crew?
00:22:18.016 --> 00:22:21.286
Courtney: yes, and it takes about 2,500 volunteers a year
00:22:21.286 --> 00:22:25.223
For us to fuel the mission.
00:22:25.223 --> 00:22:28.160
And so it's volunteers, not just the surgeons, not just the
00:22:28.160 --> 00:22:32.397
Medical crew, our nurses on board, but they're engineers
00:22:32.397 --> 00:22:36.601
Where you need people to cook, right, 'cause people have
00:22:36.601 --> 00:22:39.171
To eat.
00:22:39.171 --> 00:22:40.505
Cleaning cabins, cleaning rooms.
00:22:40.505 --> 00:22:43.041
Also we have hr on board, we have finance department, we have
00:22:43.041 --> 00:22:47.479
A communications team taking all the pictures, the filming, and
00:22:47.479 --> 00:22:53.084
Many more.
00:22:53.084 --> 00:22:54.419
Teachers as well.
00:22:54.419 --> 00:22:55.787
Kirk: that's so great.
00:22:55.787 --> 00:22:57.122
Courtney: and so some people are bringing their families.
00:22:57.122 --> 00:22:58.490
Kirk: and what i love about mercy ships also, courtney, is
00:22:58.490 --> 00:23:00.192
That it's not just a blessing for those who received the
00:23:00.192 --> 00:23:02.994
Surgery, it's a ministry that provides such a gift for those
00:23:02.994 --> 00:23:06.465
Of us who volunteer and like you said, you don't have to be
00:23:06.465 --> 00:23:09.468
A doctor.
00:23:09.468 --> 00:23:10.836
All of us are good at something.
00:23:10.836 --> 00:23:12.170
All of us have a job to do, something.
00:23:12.170 --> 00:23:13.972
Courtney: there's also ways to serve outside of the ship
00:23:13.972 --> 00:23:18.009
As well.
00:23:18.009 --> 00:23:19.344
Small groups, there's ministry on board.
00:23:19.344 --> 00:23:21.513
And so people get that spiritual connection and spiritual healing
00:23:21.513 --> 00:23:26.151
As well, the transformation along with being able to help
00:23:26.151 --> 00:23:30.055
With hope and healing that we provide through surgery.
00:23:30.055 --> 00:23:32.491
Kirk: this is amazing.
00:23:32.491 --> 00:23:33.859
This is like it feels to me like a heaven's mercy ship.
00:23:33.859 --> 00:23:37.996
It just rolls in from heaven and it's bringing a hope, the hope
00:23:37.996 --> 00:23:42.701
Of the gospel, it's bringing healing.
00:23:42.701 --> 00:23:44.636
Just fantastic.
00:23:44.636 --> 00:23:46.137
Can you share a story of a specific patient whose life was
00:23:46.137 --> 00:23:52.043
Changed because of one of these surgeries?
00:23:52.043 --> 00:23:55.413
Courtney: can tell you about a little boy named dowda who was
00:23:55.413 --> 00:23:59.251
Suffering with a growing tumor, benign tumor on his jaw.
00:23:59.251 --> 00:24:03.722
And it got so big his father continued to search for
00:24:03.722 --> 00:24:08.226
Medical help.
00:24:08.226 --> 00:24:09.561
He actually saved up and then spent six years' worth of
00:24:09.561 --> 00:24:13.598
Salary, what would have been equivalent to six years' worth
00:24:13.598 --> 00:24:16.167
Of salary to find help for his son.
00:24:16.167 --> 00:24:19.004
And to no avail, he didn't find any treatment until mercy
00:24:19.004 --> 00:24:23.742
Ships came.
00:24:23.742 --> 00:24:25.076
This was in senegal a couple of years ago.
00:24:25.076 --> 00:24:27.345
And we were able to operate.
00:24:27.345 --> 00:24:29.314
When we first met dowda, he would hang his head
00:24:29.314 --> 00:24:32.651
Low, and he's 11 years old.
00:24:32.651 --> 00:24:35.287
And he would put his shirt over his mouth to cover the tumor.
00:24:35.287 --> 00:24:39.524
He didn't want anyone looking at him.
00:24:39.524 --> 00:24:41.393
And so i remember seeing his father when he first met the
00:24:41.393 --> 00:24:46.331
Doctors and there was this moment of burden lifting
00:24:46.331 --> 00:24:50.969
From him.
00:24:50.969 --> 00:24:52.304
"i can finally find hope for my son."
00:24:52.304 --> 00:24:54.806
He had surgery.
00:24:54.806 --> 00:24:56.474
He began his healing process, the journey of healing,
00:24:56.474 --> 00:25:00.812
Restoration, not just the physical, but also the
00:25:00.812 --> 00:25:04.983
Emotional, the mental because after he left the ship, his head
00:25:04.983 --> 00:25:09.754
Was lifted, he could connect with people eye to eye, and his
00:25:09.754 --> 00:25:14.159
Father could see the hope for his future.
00:25:14.159 --> 00:25:17.462
And that's, yeah, that's one of the many stories
00:25:17.462 --> 00:25:20.799
Of transformation.
00:25:20.799 --> 00:25:22.167
Kirk: i know there's got to be thousands and thousands of these
00:25:22.167 --> 00:25:24.536
Kinds of stories, not only for the patients, but for the people
00:25:24.536 --> 00:25:27.238
Who volunteer and they get to experience this real
00:25:27.238 --> 00:25:30.742
Time, firsthand.
00:25:30.742 --> 00:25:32.077
How can people join your mission?
00:25:32.077 --> 00:25:34.079
Courtney: they can give, they can go, and they can pray.
00:25:34.079 --> 00:25:38.016
And i think right now just hearing about the need, it may
00:25:38.016 --> 00:25:40.585
Be so overwhelming.
00:25:40.585 --> 00:25:41.953
You think 16.9 million people die every year from not having
00:25:41.953 --> 00:25:45.657
Access to safe surgical care, and it's like what can i do?
00:25:45.657 --> 00:25:49.995
First you can get on your knees.
00:25:49.995 --> 00:25:52.197
You can pray.
00:25:52.197 --> 00:25:54.199
The second is if god has given you some ability, if he's given
00:25:54.199 --> 00:25:58.770
You--there's some people on board, kirk, who have had
00:25:58.770 --> 00:26:02.607
Companies, ceos, and they've left what they've--what they
00:26:02.607 --> 00:26:06.244
Were doing.
00:26:06.244 --> 00:26:07.579
They've sold their companies and they have come on board the ship
00:26:07.579 --> 00:26:10.382
And have served us baristas for six months, right.
00:26:10.382 --> 00:26:16.354
So there are ways that you can get involved.
00:26:16.354 --> 00:26:19.457
You don't just have to be a doctor, have to be a nurse.
00:26:19.457 --> 00:26:23.395
Kirk: and can we go to a website and can we support and give?
00:26:23.395 --> 00:26:25.830
Courtney: yes, mercy ships, mercyships.org.
00:26:25.830 --> 00:26:28.299
And then you can also see the different volunteer
00:26:28.299 --> 00:26:30.535
Opportunities as well.
00:26:30.535 --> 00:26:32.103
Kirk: i love it.
00:26:32.103 --> 00:26:33.438
I'm sure you love this too.
00:26:33.438 --> 00:26:34.973
If you wanna learn more about mercy ships, please call the
00:26:34.973 --> 00:26:37.642
Number on your screen, or as she said, you can go to their
00:26:37.642 --> 00:26:40.445
Website, mercyships.org.
00:26:40.445 --> 00:26:42.881
We'll be right back with more on "takeaways."
00:26:42.881 --> 00:26:47.991
We'll be right back with more on "takeaways."
00:26:47.991 --> 00:26:51.222
Kirk: jackson terkeurst is an entrepreneur and leader who
00:26:55.427 --> 00:26:58.897
Continues to defy the odds as a first generation immigrant from
00:26:58.897 --> 00:27:02.267
West africa.
00:27:02.267 --> 00:27:03.635
He owns and runs a small business.
00:27:03.635 --> 00:27:06.104
The adopted son of bestselling author and speaker lisa
00:27:06.104 --> 00:27:09.474
Terkeurst, jackson is a passionate man about drawing
00:27:09.474 --> 00:27:13.111
People together from diverse backgrounds to experience
00:27:13.111 --> 00:27:16.147
Authentic community.
00:27:16.147 --> 00:27:17.982
He's also authored a book.
00:27:17.982 --> 00:27:19.517
It's called "the only way forward is back."
00:27:19.517 --> 00:27:22.787
Jackson, thanks so much for coming on "takeaways."
00:27:22.787 --> 00:27:24.522
Jackson: thanks for having me, kirk.
00:27:24.522 --> 00:27:26.324
Kirk: so we have much in common in that adoption is part of
00:27:26.324 --> 00:27:32.297
Our story.
00:27:32.297 --> 00:27:33.665
You were adopted, my wife is an adopted child, and we have four
00:27:33.665 --> 00:27:39.003
Adopted children within our family.
00:27:39.003 --> 00:27:41.039
Jackson: incredible.
00:27:41.039 --> 00:27:42.373
Kirk: so, was adoption something that as a child you looked
00:27:42.373 --> 00:27:48.379
Forward to?
00:27:48.379 --> 00:27:49.748
Was that something you ever thought would happen to you or
00:27:49.748 --> 00:27:51.683
Did this sort of come to you as a surprise?
00:27:51.683 --> 00:27:54.652
Jackson: well, that's a great question, kirk, by the way.
00:27:54.652 --> 00:27:58.156
Adoption, it came to mind whenever i was in an orphanage.
00:27:58.156 --> 00:28:02.594
So when in an orphanage, pastor kofi did an amazing job by
00:28:02.594 --> 00:28:07.866
Partnering with other missionaries in america and
00:28:07.866 --> 00:28:11.369
Canada who had a heart to wanna give other kids a home.
00:28:11.369 --> 00:28:16.341
So these missionaries would come to the orphanage and they will
00:28:16.341 --> 00:28:18.843
Adopt these kids, but i was never adopted by that time, you
00:28:18.843 --> 00:28:23.681
Know, i was one of the guys in the corner crying and wishing
00:28:23.681 --> 00:28:26.885
That i was adopted and i pray all my life to be adopted.
00:28:26.885 --> 00:28:29.854
But prior to that, being in a village, i had no idea what
00:28:29.854 --> 00:28:34.793
Adoption was or anything along what the real world
00:28:34.793 --> 00:28:38.296
Consisted of.
00:28:38.296 --> 00:28:39.631
But i mean, an orphanage i had that need to be adopted because
00:28:39.631 --> 00:28:42.233
I was orphaned.
00:28:42.233 --> 00:28:43.601
I had no mom, i had no dad, i had no siblings.
00:28:43.601 --> 00:28:46.204
So i needed to feel belong somewhere.
00:28:46.204 --> 00:28:48.640
I had nowhere i belong.
00:28:48.640 --> 00:28:50.008
So being an orphanage, i had that longing just to wanna be in
00:28:50.008 --> 00:28:54.145
A family and to be loved.
00:28:54.145 --> 00:28:55.580
Kirk: wow.
00:28:55.580 --> 00:28:56.915
What was life like prior to your adoption?
00:28:56.915 --> 00:29:00.185
Jackson: well, life prior to my adoption, i grew up in a very
00:29:00.185 --> 00:29:04.556
Small village.
00:29:04.556 --> 00:29:05.924
We were farmers, very, very poor, but we were very close.
00:29:05.924 --> 00:29:11.196
And we pride ourselves with our land and a farm because
00:29:11.196 --> 00:29:15.600
We're farmers.
00:29:15.600 --> 00:29:17.368
But then the trajectory of my life changed one night when my
00:29:17.368 --> 00:29:21.906
Village was attacked by rebels.
00:29:21.906 --> 00:29:25.276
We were just villagers, very simple people just doing life,
00:29:25.276 --> 00:29:28.346
And these guys came to the village and decided that they
00:29:28.346 --> 00:29:32.984
Would just take away lives, and they started to kill people left
00:29:32.984 --> 00:29:36.821
And right.
00:29:36.821 --> 00:29:38.189
And i was one of the victims where i lost my family that
00:29:38.189 --> 00:29:41.526
Night and with the sound of gasoline being poured on top of
00:29:41.526 --> 00:29:46.631
My roof of my house and my door being knocked down and watching
00:29:46.631 --> 00:29:50.902
My neighbor being shot in the back by another rebel soldier,
00:29:50.902 --> 00:29:54.505
So my life changed that night, and then we ran into the jungle
00:29:54.505 --> 00:29:58.042
Where we hid for several months hiding and just living with the
00:29:58.042 --> 00:30:01.713
Animals to wait and see when this war would stop.
00:30:01.713 --> 00:30:06.451
And from that forward, my life just became worse and worse and
00:30:06.451 --> 00:30:10.955
Worse and worse.
00:30:10.955 --> 00:30:13.658
And then i ended up in an orphanage where i was given some
00:30:13.658 --> 00:30:17.095
Kind of shelter for the time being.
00:30:17.095 --> 00:30:19.731
Kirk: wow, wow, that's unfathomable for so many of us
00:30:19.731 --> 00:30:23.935
Who grew up here.
00:30:23.935 --> 00:30:25.703
And to think of living in a jungle with animals, how did
00:30:25.703 --> 00:30:28.539
You find shelter?
00:30:28.539 --> 00:30:30.742
How did you eat?
00:30:30.742 --> 00:30:32.076
How did you survive?
00:30:32.076 --> 00:30:33.444
You must have been so scared.
00:30:33.444 --> 00:30:34.779
Jackson: i was.
00:30:34.779 --> 00:30:36.147
Kirk: and how old were you at that time?
00:30:36.147 --> 00:30:37.482
Jackson: i was about seven, seven and a half.
00:30:37.482 --> 00:30:38.850
Kirk: seven and a half.
00:30:38.850 --> 00:30:40.184
Jackson: years old.
00:30:40.184 --> 00:30:41.552
Kirk: oh my, oh my goodness.
00:30:41.552 --> 00:30:42.887
Jackson, how did music bring you to america?
00:30:42.887 --> 00:30:44.255
And is music still a big part of your life?
00:30:44.255 --> 00:30:46.691
Jackson: well, music is, but not a big part of my life.
00:30:46.691 --> 00:30:49.394
Music was a bridge that brought me to america, but it was never
00:30:49.394 --> 00:30:52.530
Meant to be my final destination.
00:30:52.530 --> 00:30:55.433
But how music started for me was in the orphanage, pastor kofi
00:30:55.433 --> 00:31:02.340
Did an amazing job by implementing that during the
00:31:02.340 --> 00:31:05.176
Morning hours before we go to school to have devotions in the
00:31:05.176 --> 00:31:08.513
Morning as a unit, and there was about 500 children, all of us
00:31:08.513 --> 00:31:12.884
Together in this room having devotions in the morning.
00:31:12.884 --> 00:31:16.087
And then at nighttime, we could have devotions as well
00:31:16.087 --> 00:31:18.356
Before bed.
00:31:18.356 --> 00:31:19.724
So at nighttime, at devotions, you had a choice to either sing
00:31:19.724 --> 00:31:22.493
A song or get up and quote a bible verse and give thanks to
00:31:22.493 --> 00:31:26.297
God for what he's doing in your life.
00:31:26.297 --> 00:31:29.300
So my friends and i would get up and sing a song as part of our
00:31:29.300 --> 00:31:33.571
Testimony to god, as part of our gratitude to god.
00:31:33.571 --> 00:31:36.674
And because of that, all the friends joined us and that
00:31:36.674 --> 00:31:39.777
Became a boys choir, yeah.
00:31:39.777 --> 00:31:43.147
And then pastor kofi brought some missionaries to liberia to
00:31:43.147 --> 00:31:45.950
The orphanage where i was staying at and he asked my boys
00:31:45.950 --> 00:31:49.854
Choir to perform, and we did perform for the missionaries.
00:31:49.854 --> 00:31:53.257
And the missionaries thought that it'd be a great idea to
00:31:53.257 --> 00:31:56.394
Bring us to america to share our testimony and our story to raise
00:31:56.394 --> 00:32:00.665
Sponsorship and awareness for our friends back in
00:32:00.665 --> 00:32:03.067
The orphanage.
00:32:03.067 --> 00:32:04.435
And that's how we got to america.
00:32:04.435 --> 00:32:06.170
Kirk: wow.
00:32:06.170 --> 00:32:07.805
And then you were adopted.
00:32:07.805 --> 00:32:09.407
Can you tell us a little about your story of what adoption
00:32:09.407 --> 00:32:13.077
Was like?
00:32:13.077 --> 00:32:14.412
Jackson: well, my adoption is one of a kind.
00:32:14.412 --> 00:32:16.481
It's a crazy story of how it all started.
00:32:16.481 --> 00:32:20.885
So we came here on a one year visiting visa and our visa was
00:32:20.885 --> 00:32:25.123
Expiring and at the same time, the orphanage i was at was being
00:32:25.123 --> 00:32:31.763
Attacked by rebels, right, you know, at that time.
00:32:31.763 --> 00:32:34.265
And they were burning things down to the ground and looting
00:32:34.265 --> 00:32:37.001
And raping the girls.
00:32:37.001 --> 00:32:38.503
So, if we step foot back into liberia at the airport, we could
00:32:38.503 --> 00:32:43.908
Have been shot and killed point blank on the spot with no
00:32:43.908 --> 00:32:46.544
Questions asked.
00:32:46.544 --> 00:32:48.246
So then the question becomes, who are we?
00:32:48.246 --> 00:32:50.915
You know, we are basically homeless, we had nowhere to go.
00:32:50.915 --> 00:32:53.284
And during one of our concerts in waxson, north carolina, one
00:32:53.284 --> 00:32:58.890
Of my sisters who was a girl scout had a project she was
00:32:58.890 --> 00:33:01.993
Working on, and it was about liberia, the country i'm from.
00:33:01.993 --> 00:33:05.596
And they chose to come to that church to learn more about
00:33:05.596 --> 00:33:09.434
Liberia, to meet the liberian a-cappella boys choir.
00:33:09.434 --> 00:33:12.804
And that night is when god did the most profound thing, kirk.
00:33:12.804 --> 00:33:18.876
He introduced me and gave me the opportunity to meet my
00:33:18.876 --> 00:33:22.080
Mom, lisa.
00:33:22.080 --> 00:33:23.548
And when i first met her, i mean, god just did his thing to
00:33:23.548 --> 00:33:27.852
Where i just walked up and said, "hi mom."
00:33:27.852 --> 00:33:31.122
It just felt, i didn't know.
00:33:31.122 --> 00:33:32.590
I can't really tell what it was.
00:33:32.590 --> 00:33:33.958
It just came over me.
00:33:33.958 --> 00:33:35.326
It's the holy spirit just came over me and called her mom and
00:33:35.326 --> 00:33:39.130
She was like, "la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la.
00:33:39.130 --> 00:33:41.232
I'm not hearing that," right?
00:33:41.232 --> 00:33:42.800
Two teenage boys from liberia calling me mom, you know, but
00:33:42.800 --> 00:33:46.504
She listened to god and she listened to god and she said yes
00:33:46.504 --> 00:33:50.108
To god and opened her heart and her home to me and my
00:33:50.108 --> 00:33:54.412
Brother mark.
00:33:54.412 --> 00:33:55.913
Kirk: wow. that's beautiful.
00:33:55.913 --> 00:33:57.949
What a great story. thank you.
00:33:57.949 --> 00:34:00.284
I'm so thankful that you're sharing your story not only with
00:34:00.284 --> 00:34:02.320
Me and everyone listening to us right now on "takeaways," but
00:34:02.320 --> 00:34:05.389
Also in your book.
00:34:05.389 --> 00:34:07.391
Jackson, what advice could you give to parents in america who
00:34:07.391 --> 00:34:11.929
Are adopting a child from a totally different culture?
00:34:11.929 --> 00:34:15.766
Jackson: yeah, well, i would say that kirk, i would say
00:34:15.766 --> 00:34:20.738
Adopting a kid from a different world is to remember that don't
00:34:20.738 --> 00:34:26.210
Just prepare your home, but prepare your heart because you
00:34:26.210 --> 00:34:30.648
Are receiving something so special, something so different.
00:34:30.648 --> 00:34:34.619
You are inheriting a story that will last generations to come.
00:34:34.619 --> 00:34:40.491
And keep in mind that these kids coming in, they may have trauma,
00:34:40.491 --> 00:34:43.895
They may not have trauma, but it's very important that you put
00:34:43.895 --> 00:34:48.232
Them in a community where they have support, where they feel
00:34:48.232 --> 00:34:51.369
Loved, where they feel secure, where they feel like they can
00:34:51.369 --> 00:34:53.871
Grow and have connections with other people and other kids who
00:34:53.871 --> 00:34:58.176
Are their age, where they can feel safe because we have
00:34:58.176 --> 00:35:02.780
Trauma, we have fear, and we wanna be safe.
00:35:02.780 --> 00:35:05.950
So, having a community like that would be perfect for someone
00:35:05.950 --> 00:35:09.187
Like that.
00:35:09.187 --> 00:35:10.521
Kirk: for an adopted child, how does finding your identity in
00:35:10.521 --> 00:35:14.792
Christ first shape your life?
00:35:14.792 --> 00:35:19.230
Jackson: well, i've always, you know, carried this identity as
00:35:19.230 --> 00:35:23.201
The grandson of a witch doctor, adopted child, war orphan.
00:35:23.201 --> 00:35:28.973
That was my previous life.
00:35:28.973 --> 00:35:30.308
That was me.
00:35:30.308 --> 00:35:31.642
But in my book, i review how god has, you know, how god has
00:35:31.642 --> 00:35:37.582
Always seen me in his eyes.
00:35:37.582 --> 00:35:39.483
Despite of all those things i was before, he sees me as his
00:35:39.483 --> 00:35:43.221
Son first and he sees me as chosen.
00:35:43.221 --> 00:35:47.325
He sees me as loved.
00:35:47.325 --> 00:35:48.693
He sees me as belonging, right?
00:35:48.693 --> 00:35:51.963
So, now i know this truth about myself.
00:35:51.963 --> 00:35:54.699
I know this truth that who i am in god now.
00:35:54.699 --> 00:35:57.268
I am none of those things i were before, but now i am a husband.
00:35:57.268 --> 00:36:01.005
I am a father.
00:36:01.005 --> 00:36:02.340
I am chosen, i am loved, i am cherished.
00:36:02.340 --> 00:36:04.542
I am all those things now.
00:36:04.542 --> 00:36:05.910
So, i am walking in the path of a purpose moving forward with
00:36:05.910 --> 00:36:09.981
His grace.
00:36:09.981 --> 00:36:11.349
Kirk: that is so good.
00:36:11.349 --> 00:36:12.683
I mean what you said right there, like, everybody needs to
00:36:12.683 --> 00:36:15.386
Come to that realization.
00:36:15.386 --> 00:36:17.121
Everybody needs to lock into their identity in christ because
00:36:17.121 --> 00:36:21.826
Like you said, we're not just the product of our past, we're
00:36:21.826 --> 00:36:24.662
Not defined by our circumstances or what somebody did to us, we
00:36:24.662 --> 00:36:28.899
Are who god says we are and we are special and loved and
00:36:28.899 --> 00:36:33.004
Forgiven and we are a new creation in christ, all of those
00:36:33.004 --> 00:36:36.941
Things that allow us to fulfill our purpose.
00:36:36.941 --> 00:36:39.510
And that's what i want my kids to understand.
00:36:39.510 --> 00:36:42.013
That's what i wanna understand better even about me.
00:36:42.013 --> 00:36:44.882
And now jackson, you have your own children, you have how many?
00:36:44.882 --> 00:36:48.619
Jackson: two.
00:36:48.619 --> 00:36:49.987
Kirk: two.
00:36:49.987 --> 00:36:51.322
Jackson: a boy and a girl twin, legend and london.
00:36:51.322 --> 00:36:53.624
They are our miracle babies, miracle babies.
00:36:53.624 --> 00:36:57.395
You know, my wife and i tried for six and a half years through
00:36:57.395 --> 00:37:01.299
Ivf to have a baby and it took us forever to do that and it was
00:37:01.299 --> 00:37:07.171
So much heartbreak that came with that.
00:37:07.171 --> 00:37:09.874
But god heard our cry and he blessed us with two beautiful
00:37:09.874 --> 00:37:12.910
Amazing babies.
00:37:12.910 --> 00:37:14.245
Kirk: well, congratulations with that.
00:37:14.245 --> 00:37:16.147
It's a game changer.
00:37:16.147 --> 00:37:17.481
Jackson: it is.
00:37:17.481 --> 00:37:18.849
Kirk: it really is.
00:37:18.849 --> 00:37:20.184
It's just life at the next level when you get to now help your
00:37:20.184 --> 00:37:24.989
Children grow up into the world to know who god is, to find
00:37:24.989 --> 00:37:28.426
Their identity, not as the son of an immigrant first, but a son
00:37:28.426 --> 00:37:33.664
Or daughter of god, and god's gonna give them an amazing
00:37:33.664 --> 00:37:37.368
Story too.
00:37:37.368 --> 00:37:38.703
Jackson: oh, i have a strong feeling that he will.
00:37:38.703 --> 00:37:40.338
He's writing my story and their story as well.
00:37:40.338 --> 00:37:43.007
Kirk: i wanna talk about your book and more advice that we can
00:37:43.007 --> 00:37:46.310
Give to families who are looking to adopt children.
00:37:46.310 --> 00:37:48.946
When we come back we're gonna talk with jackson about how we
00:37:48.946 --> 00:37:51.549
Can find purpose in god's plan for us.
00:37:51.549 --> 00:37:54.352
So don't go away.
00:37:54.352 --> 00:38:01.989
So don't go away.
00:38:01.989 --> 00:38:04.763
Kirk: we're back with jackson terkeurst talking about his
00:38:08.967 --> 00:38:11.803
Journey of adoption.
00:38:11.803 --> 00:38:13.605
Jackson, i know that because of your book, we recognize that you
00:38:13.605 --> 00:38:19.244
Went through all kinds of trauma, and you shared a little
00:38:19.244 --> 00:38:21.546
Bit of that just a few minutes ago.
00:38:21.546 --> 00:38:24.082
What advice can you give to kids who have trauma in their
00:38:24.082 --> 00:38:28.553
Background and they're trying to cope with the memories, they're
00:38:28.553 --> 00:38:30.922
Trying to cope with a lack of identity and all of the
00:38:30.922 --> 00:38:34.659
Challenges that they're dealing with?
00:38:34.659 --> 00:38:35.994
What's helped you the most?
00:38:35.994 --> 00:38:37.362
Jackson: well, what's helped me the most, kirk, is that you need
00:38:37.362 --> 00:38:40.165
To remember that you can't fight this battle alone.
00:38:40.165 --> 00:38:44.536
You cannot fight this alone.
00:38:44.536 --> 00:38:45.971
This is very serious stuff and it had a major impact on my life
00:38:45.971 --> 00:38:50.475
At the beginning of my life in america because i ignore it.
00:38:50.475 --> 00:38:53.578
I didn't know what it was.
00:38:53.578 --> 00:38:55.881
But as i grew older, i saw symptoms of that affecting my
00:38:55.881 --> 00:39:00.352
Life and my life decisions and choices i was making.
00:39:00.352 --> 00:39:03.488
So, therefore, my parents did an amazing job by getting me with
00:39:03.488 --> 00:39:09.261
A therapist.
00:39:09.261 --> 00:39:10.629
So, what i suggest is get your therapist, get your child a
00:39:10.629 --> 00:39:13.565
Therapist or some professional help that can really dive deeper
00:39:13.565 --> 00:39:19.938
With what this child is going through or what you're going
00:39:19.938 --> 00:39:22.507
Through as an adopted child.
00:39:22.507 --> 00:39:24.709
You have to want this for yourself.
00:39:24.709 --> 00:39:27.112
Not for your parents, not for your friends, but for you
00:39:27.112 --> 00:39:29.815
Because you're tired, you're tired of living in that past.
00:39:29.815 --> 00:39:33.752
So seek therapy, seek counsel, and find trusted friends that
00:39:33.752 --> 00:39:38.690
You can go to and be vulnerable with that you can share these
00:39:38.690 --> 00:39:42.227
Hardships with, these hard times with that they can point you in
00:39:42.227 --> 00:39:45.230
The right direction.
00:39:45.230 --> 00:39:46.565
Kirk: wow.
00:39:46.565 --> 00:39:47.933
That's so important, and often we who adopt children aren't
00:39:47.933 --> 00:39:51.203
Thinking about that.
00:39:51.203 --> 00:39:52.571
We just think that my love is gonna be enough.
00:39:52.571 --> 00:39:54.105
I love you.
00:39:54.105 --> 00:39:55.440
I'm gonna make sure you have enough food and a warm house to
00:39:55.440 --> 00:39:57.943
Live in and good education, but there's darkness, you know, in
00:39:57.943 --> 00:40:03.982
The memory banks and there's frustration or anger or pain or
00:40:03.982 --> 00:40:08.186
Grief inside of your heart, and that kind of professional
00:40:08.186 --> 00:40:12.090
Counseling is absolutely essential.
00:40:12.090 --> 00:40:15.760
Jackson: it is.
00:40:15.760 --> 00:40:17.128
Kirk: how do you encourage people to continue worshiping
00:40:17.128 --> 00:40:21.199
God even during the dark times, even during the struggles?
00:40:21.199 --> 00:40:26.171
Jackson: well, that's a powerful question.
00:40:26.171 --> 00:40:29.241
For me, when i was a seven year old boy, and even as a young
00:40:29.241 --> 00:40:33.278
Adult, there are a few things i did to hold on to god during
00:40:33.278 --> 00:40:37.549
Those dark times.
00:40:37.549 --> 00:40:39.251
First thing i did was that i remembered his faithfulness.
00:40:39.251 --> 00:40:43.755
If he can do it for me before, i know he can do it again, right?
00:40:43.755 --> 00:40:48.193
And pray without ceasing.
00:40:48.193 --> 00:40:50.695
Pray, pray, pray.
00:40:50.695 --> 00:40:52.264
Despite of my heavy accent or your heavy accent, god still
00:40:52.264 --> 00:40:56.568
Hears you.
00:40:56.568 --> 00:40:57.903
He knows that you need him and you're speaking with him and he
00:40:57.903 --> 00:41:01.273
Hears you praying.
00:41:01.273 --> 00:41:02.607
So, that's number two, and number three, i would say serve,
00:41:02.607 --> 00:41:07.078
Serve other people.
00:41:07.078 --> 00:41:09.047
And i say that because from my experience growing up, i have so
00:41:09.047 --> 00:41:13.451
Much trauma, so much fear, so much insecurity, so much anger,
00:41:13.451 --> 00:41:18.056
But i chose to do something about it.
00:41:18.056 --> 00:41:21.826
I chose to have a job working at chick-fil-a behind the registers
00:41:21.826 --> 00:41:25.997
As a register guy, okay?
00:41:25.997 --> 00:41:28.166
But behind that register, i learned to be a servant leader.
00:41:28.166 --> 00:41:31.636
I learned to truly serve, what it means to truly serve.
00:41:31.636 --> 00:41:35.273
And because i was serving those people, it made a difference in
00:41:35.273 --> 00:41:38.810
My life and i saw how i was becoming more awake, more
00:41:38.810 --> 00:41:42.814
Smiling, more happy, more expressive, right?
00:41:42.814 --> 00:41:45.984
So, those are things that i did.
00:41:45.984 --> 00:41:48.553
So i would definitely encourage you in times of hardship, don't
00:41:48.553 --> 00:41:51.856
Just sit in your bed or go under your bed and start crying and
00:41:51.856 --> 00:41:54.359
Complaining about it.
00:41:54.359 --> 00:41:55.694
Get out. get out.
00:41:55.694 --> 00:41:57.028
Go talk to god. go pray to god.
00:41:57.028 --> 00:41:58.430
Go seek somebody.
00:41:58.430 --> 00:41:59.764
Go seek help and go help somebody.
00:41:59.764 --> 00:42:02.033
Go help a neighbor cut the grass.
00:42:02.033 --> 00:42:03.935
Go help the old lady get her groceries for her from a car.
00:42:03.935 --> 00:42:07.372
Those little acts of gratitude goes a long way and make a huge
00:42:07.372 --> 00:42:12.010
Difference in your heart as a person.
00:42:12.010 --> 00:42:13.912
Kirk: i love that you first said remember god's faithfulness.
00:42:13.912 --> 00:42:17.182
He did it in the past.
00:42:17.182 --> 00:42:18.516
He can do it again.
00:42:18.516 --> 00:42:19.884
Jackson, in your book, you have a chapter called, "how to look
00:42:19.884 --> 00:42:24.022
Back going forward."
00:42:24.022 --> 00:42:26.124
What does that mean, that in order to go forward, you've got
00:42:26.124 --> 00:42:28.693
To look back?
00:42:28.693 --> 00:42:30.061
Jackson: yes, so, in my book i talk about that to know who we
00:42:30.061 --> 00:42:34.499
Truly are, kirk, we have to start with who we were in
00:42:34.499 --> 00:42:38.570
The past.
00:42:38.570 --> 00:42:39.938
So if you don't know who you are, you can't move forward
00:42:39.938 --> 00:42:41.873
In life.
00:42:41.873 --> 00:42:43.208
You'll just be going circle--
00:42:43.208 --> 00:42:44.542
In circle and confused and trying to figure out what's
00:42:44.542 --> 00:42:46.378
Going on in my life.
00:42:46.378 --> 00:42:47.712
And that's where i was.
00:42:47.712 --> 00:42:49.848
So i had to go back to the beginning of where it all
00:42:49.848 --> 00:42:53.351
Started with everything i'm going through and experiencing.
00:42:53.351 --> 00:42:56.354
So i went back and had to dig through this trauma that was
00:42:56.354 --> 00:43:02.994
Affecting me in a negative way.
00:43:02.994 --> 00:43:04.562
Those dark things that i saw and experienced as a seven year old
00:43:04.562 --> 00:43:07.932
Boy in war-torn liberia and having to be hungry for so many
00:43:07.932 --> 00:43:12.504
Years and drinking hot water for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for
00:43:12.504 --> 00:43:17.275
Weeks at a time.
00:43:17.275 --> 00:43:19.144
And having a scarcity mindset about that, having so much fear
00:43:19.144 --> 00:43:23.014
And so much anger and frustration and abandonment
00:43:23.014 --> 00:43:26.151
Issues, you know, i had to go back to face those issues.
00:43:26.151 --> 00:43:29.387
I had to go back to talk to god about those things before i can
00:43:29.387 --> 00:43:33.291
Move forward to be in a peaceful place for where i'm at today.
00:43:33.291 --> 00:43:36.528
But i'm not healed yet.
00:43:36.528 --> 00:43:37.896
I'm in a process of healing.
00:43:37.896 --> 00:43:39.230
No one's ever healed, so i'm always healing.
00:43:39.230 --> 00:43:42.267
So yeah, god's doing his thing in my life for sure for that.
00:43:42.267 --> 00:43:44.569
Kirk: wow, that is so good.
00:43:44.569 --> 00:43:45.937
That's so encouraging to me, brother, to hear you talk about
00:43:45.937 --> 00:43:47.906
This and god's faithfulness and sanctifying us over time and one
00:43:47.906 --> 00:43:51.776
Day we'll be totally delivered.
00:43:51.776 --> 00:43:53.511
We'll be delivered from our fears, delivered from our sin,
00:43:53.511 --> 00:43:56.614
Delivered from all the frustration and anger.
00:43:56.614 --> 00:44:00.819
You also state in your book, "here's the best advice that i
00:44:00.819 --> 00:44:03.855
Can give you when you cannot find identity in your family
00:44:03.855 --> 00:44:06.725
Unit," and i believe you were talking about trouble within
00:44:06.725 --> 00:44:09.861
The family.
00:44:09.861 --> 00:44:11.196
And you said, "don't avoid the void."
00:44:11.196 --> 00:44:14.466
What do you mean by that?
00:44:14.466 --> 00:44:15.834
Jackson: don't avoid the void, i'm talking about if you're
00:44:15.834 --> 00:44:20.572
Going through something, something very, very serious in
00:44:20.572 --> 00:44:23.374
Your life, do not ignore that thing.
00:44:23.374 --> 00:44:26.911
Make sure that you attack that.
00:44:26.911 --> 00:44:29.414
Make sure that you go to god about what is going on in your
00:44:29.414 --> 00:44:33.752
Life and do not stay idle about it because if you do, that's
00:44:33.752 --> 00:44:37.622
Where the devil wants you and i to be.
00:44:37.622 --> 00:44:38.957
He wants us to be in a place where we're isolated and have
00:44:38.957 --> 00:44:42.393
No support.
00:44:42.393 --> 00:44:43.728
And if you stayed in that, then that's where the devil attacks
00:44:43.728 --> 00:44:46.564
You the most.
00:44:46.564 --> 00:44:47.932
Kirk: well, that's such good advice.
00:44:47.932 --> 00:44:49.267
I can think about so many illustrations of that in
00:44:49.267 --> 00:44:51.703
Your life.
00:44:51.703 --> 00:44:53.037
If there is something that's haunting you, if there's
00:44:53.037 --> 00:44:54.372
Something lurking in the closet and you just try to keep it
00:44:54.372 --> 00:44:57.275
There, you're gonna be afraid and distracted.
00:44:57.275 --> 00:44:59.811
You'll never find peace of mind.
00:44:59.811 --> 00:45:01.646
You just gotta throw open the doors and go after it.
00:45:01.646 --> 00:45:04.382
Jackson: i mean, i was tired, kirk.
00:45:04.382 --> 00:45:05.717
I was tired of having to live in fear, having to live in a
00:45:05.717 --> 00:45:11.022
Scarcity mindset or just having to always fear and be angry or
00:45:11.022 --> 00:45:15.360
Anxious, i was tired of that.
00:45:15.360 --> 00:45:17.562
I was tired of that demon, of that demon over my shoulder
00:45:17.562 --> 00:45:20.598
Controlling me.
00:45:20.598 --> 00:45:21.966
You know, i wanted to be free.
00:45:21.966 --> 00:45:23.301
I needed to be free.
00:45:23.301 --> 00:45:24.669
And the best way to expose the devil, to expose those things is
00:45:24.669 --> 00:45:28.673
By giving it to god and praying a lot and having other people
00:45:28.673 --> 00:45:34.179
That you can talk to about that to expose that even more.
00:45:34.179 --> 00:45:37.081
Kirk: yeah, that's good.
00:45:37.081 --> 00:45:38.917
What are two ways that people can support refugees today?
00:45:38.917 --> 00:45:45.557
Jackson: i would say that one way would be to magnify their
00:45:45.557 --> 00:45:50.128
Story, you know, stories like mine, stories like somebody else
00:45:50.128 --> 00:45:53.331
You may know.
00:45:53.331 --> 00:45:55.667
Telling my story or sharing my story with somebody else, it may
00:45:55.667 --> 00:45:59.237
Have--it may add a benefit to their life.
00:45:59.237 --> 00:46:01.673
So that's one way you can support.
00:46:01.673 --> 00:46:03.608
And another way is just, you know, finding organizations
00:46:03.608 --> 00:46:07.512
Somewhere online that you can be a part of.
00:46:07.512 --> 00:46:09.547
There's so much organizations that we all can contribute to in
00:46:09.547 --> 00:46:13.952
This world.
00:46:13.952 --> 00:46:15.320
So i would say definitely find something that you're passionate
00:46:15.320 --> 00:46:17.689
About, a company organization you're passionate about and
00:46:17.689 --> 00:46:22.026
Serve them and do that.
00:46:22.026 --> 00:46:23.528
Kirk: well, this is exciting to be publishing a book and it's a
00:46:23.528 --> 00:46:25.964
Book about your life and the amazing story that god has given
00:46:25.964 --> 00:46:29.534
To you to share with the world.
00:46:29.534 --> 00:46:32.203
Is there anything that you now wish that you had included in
00:46:32.203 --> 00:46:36.207
The book, but you just didn't include for any reason?
00:46:36.207 --> 00:46:40.111
Jackson: this is a funny story.
00:46:40.111 --> 00:46:41.479
So when i first came to america and my parents adopted us into a
00:46:41.479 --> 00:46:45.350
Beautiful home and i noticed something very strange.
00:46:45.350 --> 00:46:48.853
They had animals in the house.
00:46:48.853 --> 00:46:50.788
And in africa, we don't have animals in the house at all.
00:46:50.788 --> 00:46:54.492
And my parents had two dogs and their dogs had their own bed,
00:46:54.492 --> 00:46:57.562
They had their own food, and they had human names,
00:46:57.562 --> 00:47:01.766
Human names.
00:47:01.766 --> 00:47:03.101
I was like, oh my goodness.
00:47:03.101 --> 00:47:06.237
Dogs in america are treated so nice than in my country.
00:47:06.237 --> 00:47:10.074
So i was so stunned by that and my mom gave me a hard time about
00:47:10.074 --> 00:47:13.378
It up to this day that how, like, shocked i was about that.
00:47:13.378 --> 00:47:17.715
But it just goes to shows, like, this is a beautiful country and
00:47:17.715 --> 00:47:21.219
This is a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful place that everyone
00:47:21.219 --> 00:47:23.221
Is just loved and cared for.
00:47:23.221 --> 00:47:24.822
So, yeah, that's a random story--
00:47:24.822 --> 00:47:27.592
Kirk: that's such a great story and it, you know, we sometimes
00:47:27.592 --> 00:47:30.962
We're not aware of our own peculiarities like that.
00:47:30.962 --> 00:47:36.034
And my little dog, her name is lila.
00:47:36.034 --> 00:47:39.170
And she's a little dachshund, like a little wiener dog.
00:47:39.170 --> 00:47:41.239
And she is the queen of the house.
00:47:41.239 --> 00:47:43.207
She has her own bed.
00:47:43.207 --> 00:47:44.909
She had--and if any other dog gets in her bed, she will give
00:47:44.909 --> 00:47:48.479
Him the side eye like, you know, like you got about two seconds
00:47:48.479 --> 00:47:52.150
To get outside of my bed.
00:47:52.150 --> 00:47:54.485
It's amazing.
00:47:54.485 --> 00:47:55.853
They even have healthcare for dogs.
00:47:55.853 --> 00:47:57.622
They have insurance company healthcare for animals.
00:47:57.622 --> 00:48:00.858
Jackson: so, i was like, man, imagine this in liberia, imagine
00:48:00.858 --> 00:48:04.095
This in africa, all the dogs would be in heaven.
00:48:04.095 --> 00:48:08.733
But i'm so excited.
00:48:08.733 --> 00:48:10.068
That's so cool that, you know, animals here are well taken care
00:48:10.068 --> 00:48:12.904
Of and, you know, they are very well like loved, which is
00:48:12.904 --> 00:48:15.940
Really, really beautiful 'cause where i come from, you know,
00:48:15.940 --> 00:48:18.242
They're abused, not loved.
00:48:18.242 --> 00:48:19.877
And seeing that here is amazing.
00:48:19.877 --> 00:48:22.180
I love that for sure.
00:48:22.180 --> 00:48:23.514
Kirk: yeah, well, how can people support you and the
00:48:23.514 --> 00:48:28.052
Work that you wanna do back in africa and what you wanna do
00:48:28.052 --> 00:48:30.555
With your family here?
00:48:30.555 --> 00:48:32.323
People can get your book.
00:48:32.323 --> 00:48:34.025
And tell us how can we get behind what you're doing?
00:48:34.025 --> 00:48:37.061
Jackson: well, i would say first and first, pray for me.
00:48:37.061 --> 00:48:39.597
You know, pray for protection of my life and pray for god's
00:48:39.597 --> 00:48:43.401
Anointing and pray that god will continue to use me in a way
00:48:43.401 --> 00:48:47.739
That's bring glory and honor to his name, and i'm just here
00:48:47.739 --> 00:48:51.009
To do his work.
00:48:51.009 --> 00:48:52.710
This is not about me, this is about him.
00:48:52.710 --> 00:48:54.212
So, and this is the story that he's giving me to share, not to
00:48:54.212 --> 00:48:57.915
Keep for myself, and i wanna share this with you and
00:48:57.915 --> 00:49:00.818
Everybody else.
00:49:00.818 --> 00:49:02.186
So if you can get this book, read it for yourself, and share
00:49:02.186 --> 00:49:05.256
It with somebody else, that in itself is a blessing to me.
00:49:05.256 --> 00:49:08.626
Kirk: that's great.
00:49:08.626 --> 00:49:09.994
Man, thank you so much.
00:49:09.994 --> 00:49:11.329
God bless you, brother.
00:49:11.329 --> 00:49:12.663
After the break, we'll review today's takeaways.
00:49:12.663 --> 00:49:20.998
After the break, we'll review today's takeaways.
00:49:20.998 --> 00:49:24.743
Kirk: i really enjoyed today's conversations with paul batura
00:49:28.981 --> 00:49:31.784
And jackson terkeurst about one of my favorite topics, adoption.
00:49:31.784 --> 00:49:35.788
Let's review our takeaways.
00:49:35.788 --> 00:49:38.023
Every adoption story is unique.
00:49:38.023 --> 00:49:40.559
What a great reminder from paul.
00:49:40.559 --> 00:49:42.661
I loved hearing some of the lesser known adoption legacy
00:49:42.661 --> 00:49:46.065
Stories he shared.
00:49:46.065 --> 00:49:47.433
I mean, how he connected the dots to the presidency of ronald
00:49:47.433 --> 00:49:51.437
Reagan and adoption, so cool.
00:49:51.437 --> 00:49:54.106
And then jackson double clicked on the power of story as well,
00:49:54.106 --> 00:49:58.243
Reminding us that god has given each of us a story, not just to
00:49:58.243 --> 00:50:02.047
Carry, but to share.
00:50:02.047 --> 00:50:04.216
So whether adoption is in the pages of your story, or maybe
00:50:04.216 --> 00:50:08.087
Not, ask god to give you eyes to see the scenes that he's crafted
00:50:08.087 --> 00:50:13.392
You for and then tell people about what he's doing in
00:50:13.392 --> 00:50:16.261
Your life.
00:50:16.261 --> 00:50:18.063
Open your heart to the possibility of adoption.
00:50:18.063 --> 00:50:20.966
I love this encouragement from paul because the adoption of our
00:50:20.966 --> 00:50:24.870
Four children has forever shaped my family.
00:50:24.870 --> 00:50:28.073
So maybe you felt moved tonight as we've talked through
00:50:28.073 --> 00:50:30.909
This topic.
00:50:30.909 --> 00:50:32.244
I think your first step is asking god, "what do you want me
00:50:32.244 --> 00:50:36.281
To do about this?"
00:50:36.281 --> 00:50:37.616
Now for some that might be taking the first step to talk to
00:50:37.616 --> 00:50:40.552
Your husband or your wife about what it might look like to adopt
00:50:40.552 --> 00:50:43.889
A child.
00:50:43.889 --> 00:50:45.224
For others it might mean taking dinner to an adoptive family to
00:50:45.224 --> 00:50:49.394
Support them in this serious life transition.
00:50:49.394 --> 00:50:53.031
It's amazing what god will do through us when our hearts are
00:50:53.031 --> 00:50:56.068
Open and we're willing to serve those around us.
00:50:56.068 --> 00:51:00.539
Prepare your heart and your home.
00:51:00.539 --> 00:51:03.742
If god is calling you and your family into adoption, these wise
00:51:03.742 --> 00:51:07.779
Words from jackson will be a great help.
00:51:07.779 --> 00:51:11.183
Regardless of your specific adoption scenario, recognizing
00:51:11.183 --> 00:51:15.220
That the story of the child who's coming to you is one, so
00:51:15.220 --> 00:51:19.691
Special, and two, comes with his or her own set of challenges
00:51:19.691 --> 00:51:24.863
That you will need to navigate together as a family.
00:51:24.863 --> 00:51:28.934
Whether that's a shift in culture, working through trauma,
00:51:28.934 --> 00:51:32.804
Or learning how to do specific things for the very first time,
00:51:32.804 --> 00:51:36.275
Preparing your heart and mind for what's ahead will help you
00:51:36.275 --> 00:51:39.678
To better navigate what's coming when it's right in front of you.
00:51:39.678 --> 00:51:44.149
What a blessing that god has chosen you to prepare a home and
00:51:44.149 --> 00:51:47.519
A community for your son or daughter to thrive in.
00:51:47.519 --> 00:51:51.924
Remember, pray, serve.
00:51:51.924 --> 00:51:55.494
The details of jackson's story were so moving, weren't they?
00:51:55.494 --> 00:51:59.431
And i really respect his perspective on how he's worked
00:51:59.431 --> 00:52:02.601
Through trauma intentionally seeking out professional
00:52:02.601 --> 00:52:06.605
Counseling and combating hardships by remembering god's
00:52:06.605 --> 00:52:10.442
Faithfulness and then praying without ceasing and serving
00:52:10.442 --> 00:52:14.680
Other people.
00:52:14.680 --> 00:52:16.215
Jackson's choice wasn't to just sit on the sidelines when hard
00:52:16.215 --> 00:52:19.985
Times came, but to actively do the things, the acts of
00:52:19.985 --> 00:52:24.990
Gratitude, trusting that god is with him every step of the way.
00:52:24.990 --> 00:52:29.661
So the next time you're experiencing something
00:52:29.661 --> 00:52:31.563
Difficult, recall these three words.
00:52:31.563 --> 00:52:34.466
Remember, pray, serve.
00:52:34.466 --> 00:52:39.204
Well, that's all for this episode of "takeaways."
00:52:39.204 --> 00:52:41.240
Thank you for watching.
00:52:41.240 --> 00:52:42.574
And if you've enjoyed this show, don't forget to set your dvr so
00:52:42.574 --> 00:52:45.877
You never miss an episode.
00:52:45.877 --> 00:52:47.379
And of course, you can always catch up on past episodes.
00:52:47.379 --> 00:52:49.982
Just search for "takeaways" on tbn+ or visit the kirk cameron
00:52:49.982 --> 00:52:55.254
On tbn youtube channel.
00:52:55.254 --> 00:52:57.656
We hope to see you here next time for more
00:52:57.656 --> 00:53:00.125
Great conversations.
00:53:00.125 --> 00:53:04.329
♪♪♪
00:53:07.666 --> 00:53:16.989

Paul Batura & Jackson TerKeust: Changing Lives and the World Through Adoption | Takeaways with Kirk Cameron

August 11, 2025 | 54:52

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