Ministry Motivation. The focus of the "Precious Stones" Adoption Ministry is to help the church universal respond well to the challenge presented in James 1:27, which states that "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…” While not every family will respond by adopting a child, all believers can be involved in some aspect of this work, which for a number of reasons is vitally important: (1) adoption helps to meet the physical needs of some of the world’s most vulnerable; (2) adoption into Christian homes places children, who might not otherwise have heard the Gospel, into situations where they will grow up surrounded by the message of race; (3) adoption has a key role to play in the struggle to protect the unborn, that is, it is not enough simply to oppose abortion but rather the church must present a viable alternative; and (4) adoption presents to the world a compelling analogy of how God has chosen individuals for His eternal family. In helping to facilitate Mission Hills’ response to God’s call, "Precious Stones" will seek to:

• Raise awareness of orphan’s needs around the world by means of the "Adoption S.O.S." bulletin board and other communication media

• Encourage people in their efforts by communicating the stories of successful adoptions through the associated "Forever Families" bulletin board, as well as, verbal and written testimonies in various other venues

• Facilitate the adoption process by making information and resources available to potential adoptive families via the annual "Precious Stones" Adoption Expo

• Provide financial assistance, as resources become available, to families who desired to adopt but lack the funds to complete the process

• Develop a sense of community at Mission Hills that is willing to support adoptive families as well as those considering or in the process of adoption

Like the diversity of gemstones found in nature, the name "Precious Stones" reflects the wide variety of children in the world without a place to call home and the multitude of paths leading to adoption. Each of those children should be considered a gem to be treasured with some rougher cut than others. The name "Precious Stones" also reflects the ancient practice of constructing a rock altar, or cairn, to memorialize significant events in the history of God’s people; it is hoped that occasions such as the annual Adoption Expos will be equally significant in the lives of many adoptive families.

Mission Statement. In response to the call of God in scripture, the "Precious Stones" Adoption Ministry will promote adoption by raising awareness of the need, encouraging a positive response, facilitating access to information and resources, providing financial assistance to needful families as funding becomes available, and developing a supportive community at Mission Hills.