Glendora, CA, January 25, 2018 — The dust is settling after a memorable week of events, but the will to care for the orphaned is still strong around America’s Christian Credit Union (ACCU). Last week provided an exciting round of foster care and adoption-related events during which ACCU joined forces with the L.A. Dream Center, Olive Crest and Bishop W.C. Martin. All focused on changing the narrative around the foster care system in the greater Los Angeles area, a region holding 35,000 foster children, more than any other city in the nation.
The series of events kicked off with a guest presentation by Bishop W.C. Martin of Bennett Chapel Church in Possum Trot, TX. Bishop Martin engaged with ACCU staff for a time of sharing the miraculous work God has done in his small town. The humble church congregation of less than 200 people stepped up to provide homes for ALL the foster children in their community who were waiting to find their forever families. With open hearts and sturdy spirits, the members of this small church collectively took in the 70+ children, and cleared out the entire foster care system in their county.
Following the intimate presentation with Bishop W.C. Martin, ACCU staff joined the Olive Crest leadership team at the Dream Center to rally 160+ local pastors to join in the effort to transform the foster care system in L.A. The event was kicked off by Jaime Zavala, Executive Director of Olive Crest’s LA region, who praised the audience of pastors for showing up, and exhorted them not to feel pressured to do everything, but rather to, “just do something.” Zavala then transitioned to a time of recognition, praising ACCU for its support of the event. In response to Zavala’s comments, ACCU’s Vice President/Chief Development Officer, Fawn Imboden, remarked: “We are deeply grateful for the honor Olive Crest has bestowed on us today. May it be just the start of a long and fruitful relationship.” Imboden continued: “God is moving in His city and for His people. We must continue to work together for the greater good that gives these orphans the forever loving home they deserve.” The event then concluded with an inspirational message from Bishop Martin and a panel presentation by current foster families, outlining the reality and rewards of saying “yes” to foster parenting.