Sunshine

COMMUNITY SERVICES
whom was about to turn just one year old. He decided he wanted
to do some research by talking to different children’s groups
in the area before they signed on. After extensive research, some
discussions with the Conners and a lot of prayers, the Easts
decided to become licensed foster parents through Methodist
Children’s Home.
“It was the Lord who changed his heart about fostering,”
Stephanie said. “Now he is very passionate about it.”
In April 2010, they met with Traci Wagner, Eastern region
administrator at MCH, in the Tyler Outreach Office to begin
the process. The East family said they chose MCH because of
its willingness to work with families to help them through the
licensing process. The Easts participated in a series of training
courses, including some online training. They also obtained
CPR, First Aid and Emergency Behavior Intervention certifications.
All foster families must also complete a series of background
checks and home inspections.
A few months after completing the process, the East family
received their first foster child. She stayed with the family for
eight months before she was placed in another home and eventually
adopted with her two brothers. They have fostered five
children since 2010, adopting two of these children, Hannah in
November 2012 and Levi in December 2012. The East family
is now a happy family of seven consisting of parents Kevin and
Stephanie, and their children Walker (age 7), Miller (5), Maddry
(4), Levi (3), and Hannah (2). The family is still licensed and
plans to provide respite care for children in need.
Although fostering has its challenges and saying goodbye
to children can be tough, the Easts said fostering has made their
family stronger. Stephanie said her children now understand
the realities that some other families may face.
“I love knowing that we are teaching our children compassion
in a tangible way. I love that aspect of fostering for our
family,” she said.
“Fostering doesn’t get in the way of parenting our biological
kids, it helps the parenting of our biological kids,” Kevin
said. “It exposes selfishness in them. It allows us to teach them
in a new and different way how to share. It gives them a vision
for God’s mission and what that looks like. It helps us in a very
physical and visible way to describe the love God has for His
children as we all are adopted sons and daughters.”
The Easts have been instrumental in encouraging around
10 families to become foster parents in the Tyler area. Currently,
the Tyler office has 25 foster homes, but hopes to exceed 30
homes this year. The need is definitely great to find homes to
welcome these children in need.
“Kevin and Stephanie have developed friendships with other
families within our agency and strive to support everyone in
their circle of influence,” Wagner said. “They pray for the children
we serve in our various ministries and they pray for our
staff and agency.”
Foster children typically stay in a foster home for 3-12
months. Every case is different and individual factors are taken
into consideration. Wagner said the highest priority is to provide
children with foster parents who are able to meet the needs
of the children, including social, physical, spiritual, emotional
and educational needs, and then get them back to their parents
when it is in their best interests. She said they want family reunification
when it is possible.
“We want our foster parents to invest in the ‘whole child’ –
many times that means, in addition to the basic needs, building
a child’s self esteem and uncovering their God-given talents and
abilities,” Wagner said. “To be a foster parent and do it well, you
must be willing to work as a part of the team on a child’s behalf.
Foster parents must be able to love and care for children as if they
were born into their family and they must be able to let them go.
That is a tall order and that is why it must be a ministry.”
Wagner said the Easts have also contributed to the ministry
through their prayers, by serving as advocates for children,
and partnering with those who work in the child welfare system.
Stephanie has become an ally to potential foster parents working
alongside them as they go through training. Wagner said Kevin
is passionate about the role of the husband and father in families
(See Foster Family, page 14)
“God is a missional God and therefore we as
believers are missional people. Fostering provides
a great opportunity for families to join in God’s
redemptive work by opening their home.”
— KEVIN EAST, MCH foster parent
Sunshine I Winter 2013
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