Foster CHRISTmas Joy Volunteer Testimonial: Bev Lukity

What a joy to enjoy the Christmas season! It’s fun to see the lights up on houses and trees, and the world seems to sparkle more than usual. The warm feeling of Christmas is something many of us know. But not all of us know it.

To be a child in foster care, Christmas is different, and Christmas can be hard. I sat down with a local FFM volunteer this season and was blessed to hear her perspective. Bev Lukity has served for multiple years with FFM. She has a heart for people, and she lives it out with her hands and feet. She told me: “One thing I’d like to tell people is, ‘Do something. Don’t just say ‘Oh, I’m glad you do that’….That doesn’t fly with me. Please don’t tell me that because then I’m going to ask you, ‘And what are you doing?’” It’s important to Bev to get involved and to make a difference, whether it’s moving furniture or being in prayer.

Bev is an enthusiastic volunteer, and Foster CHRISTmas holds a special place in her heart. She first heard about it 5 or 6 years ago.

When I asked her why she is so passionate about serving in Foster CHRISTmas, she put it plainly: “Because I don’t want any child to think they aren’t loved. Ever. Because we’re all made in God’s unique design, no matter what our circumstance is.” 

Her favorite part of Foster Christmas is that she gets to go shopping with her granddaughters. Her family has adopted her passion to serve in this way, and she and her granddaughter volunteered together at Foster CHRISTmas at the gift distribution event. She said, “And I’m hoping it teaches her that something is bigger than you at Christmas. And we all know it's about Jesus, yes, and they all know that too, but it's also about: it's more fun to give than it is to receive.”

“I mean, it is so much fun watching her [my granddaughter]! Last year, we couldn't find one thing, and we were like way down to the wire, and I finally found it. I was just at Walmart by myself, and I found it. So, I called her right away, and she goes ‘Oh good! Because I've been looking and looking, and I can't find it.’”

 Another favorite part of Foster CHRISTmas for her is at the event. “I love watching them [the kids] come in.” “I just like their faces, and they're like, well, depending on the age, you know. The older kids are a little more reserved, but the younger kids are like just full-blown so excited they just can't stand it.”

Bev shared, “You know, it's not about gifts. And it’s really isn’t about gifts for the kids…It's that somebody cares enough to do something. Anything. It doesn't matter. Something.” Foster and kinship parents are doing something everyday of the year.

I asked Bev about what she’d say to someone who was on the fence about volunteering for Foster CHRISTmas or volunteering in general. She told me, “I’d say, ‘Just jump in, and do it!’” Are you ready to get involved and serve a family? 

What’s your something?

Has God put on your heart to open your home for a season to vulnerable children who deserve a loving place to call home in a difficult time of life?  Learn about opening your home.

Maybe you are ready to brighten a child’s day each month.  An hour a week or 5 hours a month of your time will make a difference. Learn about getting involved.

Sow financially in the ministry to engage more churches, encourage more families and serve more foster children. FFM is launching their very own app to boost the effort to stand up for vulnerable children and families. Give here.

There is a great need for more churches to step up and for more counties to get involved.

Thank you for bringing the JOY of Jesus to vulnerable children being removed from their homes in the coming year. As we enter our 10th year of ministry as Fostering Family Ministries, we are praying for more than enough in all our communities for children to be welcomed home in their own communities by churches and families who can bring hope and healing in Jesus.

Want to know more about getting involved? Reach out to Fostering Family Ministries: 419.496.2507 or info@fosteringfamilyministries.org.