When Audrey and her husband, Drew first talked about fostering, she was hesitant. “I didn’t want to deal with that,” she said. “That seems really hard and too complicated.” But God had planted something in both of their hearts years earlier—a deep compassion for children in hard places.

“We were a little scared…but so so happy. We were really just excited to be together and do normal, family things—go to the grocery store, eat dinner together, you know, like the little things. They would both be crying at the same time and as hard as that is, I was still thinking like ‘I’m so happy they’re home.’ It’s so worth it.” Sarah explains.

Two brothers faced an unimaginable loss: their mother had passed away, and their father, Mark*, was so overwhelmed by grief and financial hardship that he couldn’t provide the stability his sons needed. Though it broke Mark’s heart, Ethan* and Jacob* were placed in foster care with the Martin* family.

2024 has been a great year for our ministry, and I am excited to see what God has in store for us

in 2025!

The call finally came that a baby boy, just two days old and coming straight from the hospital, needed a safe, loving home. The Burches immediately said yes to caring for him! The moment they laid eyes on Lawson, they fell in love instantly.

Shirley was able to prevent the cycle of foster care in her family.

“Our biological children have grown up with many different foster children in our home, and they have learned how to love on kids . . they have become better friends and siblings through their experiences.” - Lindsey, ABCH Foster Parent.

It was at camp that I knew God intended for me and my family to be involved with foster care, I just didn't know then the extent of what He had planned. 

Hunter and Jordan Cory signed up to become foster parents to help kids who needed a safe, loving home. Little did they know that God would use the kids who came into their home to do abundantly more for the Corys than they ever expected.

“There are so many babies and children out there that need a home and that security. You know God will take care of that child, and it gives you peace so that you can take care of the next child that comes into your home.”

Little Sofia felt heavy with the burden she carried for a while. She didn’t know of other kids in foster care, and it made her feel lonely.  “I have a burden,” she said. “I don’t live with my real mom anymore.”

Nick and Kayla Butler felt a calling from the Lord to be foster parents. Little did they know what the Lord had in store.

“I have always had a passion for serving kids who are vulnerable, fatherless, and who feel unloved. Romans 9:25!”

. . . I know that I’m wanted

If you asked those who knew Mary Louise Carr to describe her, you would hear about her quick wit, good sense of humor, and, most importantly, her strong faith in God.

Meet Jackie Champion! She’s worked at ABCH for two years as an Engagement Specialist. She develops partnerships with individuals and churches to raise money to help Alabama foster kids. Learn more about her below and why she is passionate about helping kids and families below!

“There are moments as a single parent that’s a challenge . . . and doing anything as one person,” Ashley shared. “But God has brought us here so far . . . every step of our lives, He has led us to where we should be.”

We finally got a call in April 2019 about a sweet 3-year-old who needed a home. The next evening, we met the most precious child named Quinton in our driveway. We opened his car door and were greeted with him giving us a Cheeto.

God used your gifts to pursue our bold “Vision 140” strategic plan—serve at least 1,000 children every year, see 250 family reunifications, participate in 50 adoptions, and witness 50 children believe in Christ Jesus all by the year 2031 to celebrate our 140th birthday!

Valencia remembers the piles of gifts under that tree, some of which were just for her. It made her feel special. She also got to hear why Christmas is so full of hope—that the birth of Christ was the greatest gift to us all.