Children on their Hearts: The Berrys
Kris and Kallan Berry met while attending college at Auburn University and were married in 2011. Kris says, “We both really loved Auburn so we never left. In 2014, we had our first son, Beckett, and in 2017, we had our second son, Banks.”
He shares that Kallan has had a heart for children for as long as he could remember, and even talked about adoption while dating. He shares, “Shortly after we were married, Kallan expressed interest in adoption, and we decided we’d see where God would lead us. I wish I could say that I had a passion (at that time) for helping children, but honestly, my goal then was to help make my wife’s dream come true, and I knew the only way to do that was to trust God. We’ve known since early in our marriage that one day we’d like to help children in some way.”
The Berrys had no idea God would lead them to Alabama Baptist Children's Homes (ABCH), but a few years later, here they are, regular donors to our ministry and also newly signed up to begin foster parent training. Kris shared with us some about their journey, and we hope it encourages others who are also journeying through what it could look like to care for children in need.
HOW DID YOU FIRST HEAR ABOUT ABCH?
We first heard about ABCH while attending church one Sunday morning last fall. Griffin Gulledge, ABCH development officer, was speaking that morning about the need for foster care in the area and announcing that ABCH would have an office in our church, First Baptist Church of Opelika.
WHAT WAS IT THAT COMPELLED YOU TO ENGAGE WITH OUR MINISTRY?
At the time I was looking for something to get involved in, and I felt a push from God to begin providing financial support for the ministry in the Auburn/Opelika community.
YOU GUYS ARE SIGNED UP TO BEGIN FOSTER PARENT CLASSES THIS FALL—HOW EXCITING! PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS ON TAKING THIS NEW STEP.
Over the past year, God has made it abundantly clear to me that we need to pursue helping children through ABCH. We’ve had countless conversations and encounters with people impacted by or involved with foster care. Through lots of conversation and prayer with Kallan, we decided it would be best to first look to ABCH . . .. The conversations we’ve had, coupled with the convenience of ABCH being in Opelika, have led us to begin foster training. We’ve been anxiously awaiting this next step all summer.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO ENCOURAGE SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING OF TAKING THEIR “NEXT STEP” IN CARING FOR CHILDREN?
Prayer is key. Through this whole process we’ve prayed for God to guide us in our pursuit to expand our family. Over and over God has shown himself through our interactions with others. Each time we’ve had second thoughts, God has given us direction and comfort. If you are considering adoption, foster care, or helping children in any way pray first.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY YOUR MAIN GOALS AND/OR HOPES ARE IN BECOMING PARENTS TO CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE?
Right now we have a very open mind regarding ABCH. We initially sought to adopt a little girl to complete our family, but if we’ve learned anything over the past year it’s that we have our plans and God has his. Adopting a little girl is still our goal but we are open to what God has in store for us. We never thought we’d be training with ABCH, but here we are. We’re very excited to see what God has in store next.
We are excited for the Berrys and all of our families who are beginning training classes this fall! Please keep these families in your prayers as they walk through this part of their journey in caring for children from hard places. To learn more about providing foster care, visit us here.