In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Brian Mavis and Travis engage with Kelly and Tracie Ward, a couple deeply involved in foster care and adoption. They share their personal journey, the challenges and joys of fostering, and how their church has embraced a mission to support families in crisis. The Wards emphasize the importance of community involvement, the need for churches to open their homes, and the profound impact of fostering on both children and families. They discuss the I Belong Project and the significance of reaching out to biological parents, highlighting that true ministry involves loving and supporting families in need.

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Takeaways

• The Wards have been married for 29 years and have eight children, including adopted and foster children.
• They have fostered 29 kids in the past two years and recently became grandparents.
• Their church's mission evolved to focus on foster care and adoption care.
• Fostering is not just about the children; it's also about supporting their biological parents.
• The church community can play a vital role in supporting foster families and children.
• Fostering can change the trajectory of lives, both for children and their families.
• The I Belong Project helps connect children in need with potential adoptive families.
• Churches should open their homes to foster children and their families.
• True ministry involves meeting families where they are and providing support.
• Fostering creates a ripple effect, inspiring others to get involved.

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