We have posted schedules for our 2011 Parent Support Group Meetings, our 2011 Respite Care Events/Activities as well as our Board of Directors meetings.
National Foster Care Month takes place in May. It provides an opportunity for people nationwide to get involved as foster parents, volunteers, mentors, employers, or in other ways.
November is National Adoption Awareness Month. It is a month set aside each year to raise awareness about the adoption of children and youth from foster care.
Browse our online directory of a few of the families that
OCOC of Maryland has brought together.
Jody's Path - From Abandonment to Adoption
Introduction
I was abandoned by my mother as a baby. With a father who was in and out of jail, I quickly slipped into a life of drugs, theft, and homelessness. Eventually I found God, but my drug addiction still continued to cause chaos in my life. I ended up losing my family and my home before I fully surrendered to the Lord and was finally adopted into God's family.
My path has led me from abandonment to adoption. My mother went away while I was still a baby, leaving me with a father who was in and out of jail.
I often had to live with friends or other family members. He was introduced to drugs, sex and abuse at an early age. Jody began smoking marijuana at age seven. He became a father at 16 and was addicted to crack cocaine by the time he was 17 years old.
A World of Darkness
Jody quickly slid into a world of darkness; including theft, drugs, homelessness, and doing anything necessary to support his drug habit.
I met my angel of a wife who shared with me the message of salvation. We were married a year later. On our wedding day, I received a calling from the Lord that I was to be in ministry, but I could not get free of my drug addiction.
Running From God
For 10 years I would battle with crack cocaine; in and out of rehabs and often living in the street; eating out of dumpsters, begging for money, and sleeping on benches, in sheds, or wherever I could find shelter. I ran as far as I could from the call of God on his life.
During this time, I also suffered the death and loss of my youngest son. Later, I lost all contact with my oldest son when I signed adoption papers while high on crack. Eventually, I lost my family and my home. Alone and in jail, I called out to God for help.
Full Surrender
I fully gave my life to the Lord that day and was adopted into God's family. Since then my own family has been restored and I was delivered and set free from all drugs! I quickly began ministering in outreach to the homeless and the addicted. Now I am back on the streets, this time feeding and ministering to those who are still trapped.
I attended college and the past 2 years have not been easy. There were trials and struggles, but through the trials, God has delivered me from low self-esteem and depression. He has given me a deeper hunger for more of Him, and He has healed a broken and hurting marriage!
I am currently in ministry with my wife and am the founder of "From Crack to Christ," an outreach support group for drug addicts, and has organized public events to share Jesus with the unsaved.
I pray that that this testimony brings hope to the hurting, salvation to the lost, freedom to the addicts, and healing to their families.
Reverend Roxanne G. Parson
When my husband, Andre M. Parson and I decided to adopt, our focus was on following Gods concept of family. After years of medical intervention, God clearly directed us to adoption. It is amazing how when you follow Gods direction that blessings come forth! Seventeen years ago, God blessed us with our son, Aaron.
Two years later, Aarons biological sister, Rebekkah became a part of our family! When I reflect on our journey as we have grown and are growing as family, I can truly say that adoption is a ministry.
Adoption is a ministry that represents Jesus Christ one who gives of their very being in order that others may have life and life abundantly. Thank you for recognizing the work of Jesus Christ through our family.
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