November 8 is Orphan Sunday. Orphan Sunday is a day set aside for churches to recognize the needs of orphans internationally, to begin thinking of ways to implement adoption information into their congregation, and to learn more about adoption.

Over 143 million orphans worldwide long for the love of a real family. According to the United Nations, there are 80 million orphans in Africa alone, a number that is only rising. Even in the United States, 122,000 foster children are legally eligible for adoption, waiting for a family to love them enough to adopt them.

When surveyed, over 50 percent of people said that if they were looking to adopt, they would go to their church for information. Unfortunately, most churches don’t know where to direct people when asked. This Sunday, their questions may finally be answered.

It’s a day “to get as many churches and pastors as possible to really focus on the need that’s out there, educate our congregations, and then of course give them some action steps to be able to move forward in the future,” says Johnny Carr, National Director of Church Partnerships for Bethany Christian Services. Carr helps churches to establish orphan care and adoption ministries to educate and engage the church in adoption and orphan awareness year round.

On Orphan Sunday, Bethany will hold informative meetings about adoption and orphans at various churches. Bethany is the largest adoption service in the country and believes that adoption is really the best way to help orphans.