Season 2, Episode 9: Fulfilling the Call to Care for the Vulnerable (w/ JT Olson)

Just Neighbors

With an estimated 153 million orphans worldwide and the costs of adoption on the rise, fulfilling the call of James 1:27 to care for orphans and widows can feel increasingly challenging. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the average cost of adopting a child in the U.S. is between $20,000-$45,000. In comparison, an international adoption can cost up to $50,000, depending on the country and the number of trips you’ll need to make.

How can we answer this call to be a Just Neighbor when financial barriers seem so daunting? What practical steps can we take to care for the vulnerable in our communities?

Joining us for this discussion is JT Olson, a man who has figured out a way to support two causes at once. His personal experience of being orphaned as a child alongside his four siblings gave him a deep understanding of how crucial it is to provide loving homes for vulnerable children. Today, JT is the Founder and President of Both Hands, a faith-based nonprofit that serves both orphans and widows.

In this episode, you’ll hear the story of how JT’s community rallied around him and his siblings after their parents passed away, why real stories can be more impactful than statistics when it comes to inspiring outreach, why taking the time to help one of your neighbors is key even if you can’t help all of them, and much more.

Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/jt-olson-s2e9/