I always dreamed of starting a ministry in our son Daniel’s memory after he left us for Heaven in 2010, but making that dream come true was another story. Even through the years of being enveloped in adoption processes, raising our kids, financial woes, and living in a constant state of transition, I always carried such a strong desire to do more to honor our baby boy.

In April of 2016, after we brought our daughter Lulu home, I felt the Lord whisper, “Be still — you’ve been building your family for ten years — through five adoption processes — now go and live life.” It wasn’t an audible whisper to the ear, but one of those suggestions that comes supernaturally to the heart, and I knew it was time to shift my gaze into making that ministry dream a reality. Open Hearts for Orphans — our beauty from ashes non-profit organization — was born on Daniel’s Heaven Day in 2016.

It feels divine to witness how special projects “find” us. I’m amazed at all that’s happened in a year’s time and how the Lord has provided each step of the way!

One day last spring, as I found myself staring at our beautiful logo design of two hearts perfectly joined in the middle by a fish symbol, representing our Lord Jesus as the center, the Holy Spirit once again whispered into my soul in that same supernatural way. The message was “wearable art” and I started to imagine our logo as jewelry — a necklace to be exact. We put out few feelers on social media about size preferences and hang tag styles, and we took that feedback very seriously. All those who voted helped shape the final product to perfection.

In this appropriate month of November with National Adoption Month as well as Orphan Sunday, we are excited to announce the Open Hearts for Orphans signature necklace! It’s available in two basic styles, and the chain length extends from 16” to 20”. We also have a finer, daintier version in pure sterling silver (with stones) on a 16” chain with a 2” extension. Each necklace has our ministry name on the hang tag, so you can always remember the most vulnerable children when you wear yours, and 100% of the proceeds directly support Open Hearts for Orphans.

Our hope and prayer is that our treasured adoption community will choose to rally around this special fundraising project by wearing our “jewelry with a purpose” close to your heart, so we can meet the needs we are called to support in 2018.

With Christmas coming soon, wouldn’t this make the most perfect gift or stocking stuffer for someone you love as a special way to share a-wear-ness and look beautiful too? We sure think so. All glory for this beauty from ashes endeavor goes straight up to God — we’re just thankful for the chance to make a difference for all of those precious gems in the world who still wait.

Thank you for being a part of the dream.

Necklaces can be ordered through the Open Hearts for Orphans website – logo design credit to Anj Riffel of AMR Creative.