The plight of “looking after widows and orphans in their distress” caused this couple to step out . . . and now, step into Kentucky.
When contemporary Christian singer Matthew West wrote “Do Something,” he probably didn’t envision Special Assistants for Adoption/Foster Care to the Governor of Kentucky being hired. But indeed they have.
Chris and Alicia Johnson left a successful church to plant a small Baptist church in Clermont, Florida. Foster care was not on their radar. During a sermon series on the Book of James, Chris preached on the instruction to “look after widows and orphans in their distress.” He sensed God asking “Are you going to preach about this or live this?”
That conviction, coupled with West’s lyrics “If not us then who . . . it’s time for us to do something”, clarified for Chris that it was a call from God.
The Johnsons began by supporting adoptive and fostering families in their own congregation and developing relationships with foster care agencies. Then the day came when the agency asked the Johnsons to be foster parents.
Over a decade has passed since the Johnsons sensed that call. Chris and Alicia, along with their church, have developed a robust relationship with the Florida child welfare system and have fostered over 40 children and adopted seven. Adding their three biological children, they now call themselves “The Johnson Dozen.” Candidly, the Johnsons explain this did not happen “overnight” or without difficulty.
They recognize that not everyone in the church is called to be an adoptive or foster parent, but believe there is something that every person and every church can do to “look after widows and orphans in their distress.”
It is that fresh, creative and robust model of personal responsibility and cooperation between the faith community and government that resulted in Gov. Bevin inviting the Johnsons to come to Kentucky to share their vision.
To help, reach the Johnsons by calling the Governor’s Office: 502-564-2611.
