Possum Trot impacted countless children in the Texas foster care system
“Not everyone can foster, but everyone can do something.”
You likely have heard this phrase before. Although it can be true, this phrase once meant to encourage people to get involved has become an excuse. The truth is not everyone can foster a child, but more individuals and families can foster than one might think. The movie, “Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot,” taught me this truth.
The families of Possum Trot, by most worldly standards, were not necessarily accomplished or special. They didn’t live in large suburban homes, not every home had a two-parent household, and oftentimes, money was scarce.
Yet, the members of Bennett Chapel Missionary Church in Possum Trot, Texas, rallied together and 22 families adopted 77 children out of the Texas foster care system. The families of Possum Trot heard the need and chose to step into the valley and walk alongside the most vulnerable children, despite their fears, doubts and insecurities.
As of 2020, Texas had 29,750 churches and according to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services 2023 data book, there were 30,739 children in the Texas foster care system.
This means that if every church fostered just one child it would make a significant impact in foster care – just like in the Possum Trot community.
The unique impact of Possum Trot on therapeutic foster children
The children who came to Possum Trot from the foster care system were typically known as the hardest-to-place children or therapeutic foster children. These children have significant emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs and require more intensive services to care for their needs due to prolonged trauma.
If you had a chance to see the movie, “Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot,” then you’ll remember how children like Terry needed a special community to help her start healing from her trauma. Children with these adverse childhood experiences need foster parents who believe caring for the most vulnerable children in foster care is their mission.
As a social worker and advocate for children and families involved in the foster care system, I’ve been in numerous conversations with individuals and groups about their role in foster care.
The most common response I hear is, “God hasn’t called me to be a foster parent.” However, I would beg to differ: God has called every one of us to care for the orphan and widow.
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” – James 1:27
The truth is children in foster care have experienced immense hurt and trauma, and they are desperate for health, healing and to know the God who created them. They need individuals and families who are willing to trust God to walk into the valley of foster care, no matter their fears, doubts and insecurities.
While it’s true not everyone can foster, everyone can do something – but don’t let a beautiful call to action become your excuse.
How can you impact vulnerable children today?
Most times when I’ve left a movie theater, I feel inspired and motivated to become who I saw on the big screen. But I’m usually disappointed when I realize I’m not Ironman, Captain America or The Hulk.
But after watching “Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot,” I realized I could be like the families of Possum Trot. I could make a difference. All God needs is my yes, and I can trust him to bring me through the rest.
Will you answer the call to help care for the most vulnerable children?
If you missed seeing “The Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot” in theaters, you can stay up to date with Angel Studios for the streaming release.
Buckner Lubbock recently hosted a private screening with Care Portal and One Heart Lubbock for pastors, city officials and other nonprofits in the area.
Written by Jenna Morgan, recruiter for therapeutic foster care for Buckner Children and Family Services. Photos provided by Angel Studios.
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