This article from Mission Network News, a news source "dedicated to keeping Christians informed on evangelical mission activity around the world," focuses on an interesting piece of legislation proposed by Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R) from Holland, Michigan known as the HOPE Act. The HOPE Act would basically make it easier for U.S citizens to adopt Haitian children who were declared as orphans prior to the earthquake by expanding the Department of Homeland Security’s humanitarian parole policy on a case-by-case basis. If passed, this legislation would not affect the Haitian imposed regulations on adoption and the process would still be lengthy and difficult.
Yet, regardless of its mention of this legislation, this article is striking in itself. Its wording sets the stage for a classic adoption rescue story; a story in which the child is saved both physically and spiritually. Adoption is praised as the solution which provides Haitian children with basic needs and, equally importantly, with a Christian outlook. It clearly supports adoption as an act of redemption. Personally, I am not convinced about the appropriateness of the missionizing goals supported in this article. I am also reminded of the controversy surrounding the group of Baptists missionaries from Idaho who were arrested (although, recently eight were released) on charges of trafficking. Yet, I also recognize that religion has been a deeply motivating factor for many people in their desire to help the people of Haiti. In all, it is clear that the Haitian earthquake is reinvigorating discussion in Christian circles about their role in the world. I hope that these discussions will lead Christians, as well as others, to realize that real rescue will require more than adoption and conversion, but long-term social investment in a country torn both by disaster and deep economic trouble.
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