?“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will” (Eph 1:4-5).

A couple weeks ago I attended something that was surprisingly emotional… I got to take part in an official adoption process at Remann Hall Juvenile Court. One of our original youth from Sozo and Late Night, Michael Toycen, was adopted at 16 years of age.

After his mom died at age 8, Michael had been in-and-out of over 16 foster homes. In addition to the heart-wrenching pain of losing your mother, Michael had lived his entire life in pain from feeling unwanted and unloved.

 Today I had a deeper understanding of the scriptures that talk about God’s ultimate love for us: adoption. Before Christ, I was just like Michael—Fatherless and without hope. But God, in His infinite love and mercy, chose me to be His son. God the Father, the creator of the universe, chose me to be a member of His family and share in all His blessings.

 Michael no longer wonders if he’s loved; when he was adopted he became their son—a permanent member of the family. When Jesus died on the cross, we were given the invitation to be adopted as God’s son…and permanently join His family and share in His inheritance. And like Michael, we never have to wonder ever again if we’re loved. God demonstrated His love for us while we were still sinners and then He adopted us.

Doug Jonson, City Life

 Appendix A: Michael moved to Puyallup 1 ½ years ago and is now a junior at Rogers High School. He is very involved with JROTC, and is enlisting in the Coast Guard upon graduation. He is a lifeguard at the YMCA and saved his first life last week. His mentor from Sozo, Chris Roberts, has faithfully loved him and mentored him ever since Michael started attending Sozo Discipleship.

 Appendix B: Sarah Snodgrass and Karen Groves, part of the YFC Foster Care team, were at the Courthouse when I arrived to participate in the adoption between one of their families and their foster child. What an amazing ministry they have! They truly exemplify God’s heart on a daily basis (James 1:27).