A 6,000-Mile Journey to His Forever Family: Zion's Story
Hello January 3rd, 2024
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“I pray that more people will answer this call and imitate God by caring for children.” - Zion's mom, Christi Johnson.
Come alongside us as we share the life-changing story of Zion, a boy from China adopted by a loving family in Montana. Zion was born prematurely and was just 2 ½ pounds when he was found on the side of the road. As the Johnson family celebrates their 6-year anniversary with Zion this month, they cherish his incredible growth and adventurous spirit. They admire how much he continues to grow with childlike wonder. He loves to read, sing, hike, ski, eat ice cream, and be the life of the party! “His little personality is so fun to watch develop,” says his mom Christi, “He is the funniest, yet most obedient child.”
Isn't it so beautiful that God made a way for Zion to be safe, loved, and valued? The road may have been challenging, but the Johnson family's obedience to their calling was far bigger than any challenge. Over the last 4 ½ years, they have traveled from Dallas to North Carolina for four surgeries and several types of treatment due to Zion’s urological condition. As a family, they have navigated having to spend time states away from each other, extended hospital and hotel stays, bad news and good news. Zion’s bravery and the support of friends and family along the way gave their family the assurance and confidence that God was going to use this time to grow them into something beautiful.
The Johnson family's adoption story is a reminder of God's delight in seeing His children come together with a heart full of Faith, Hope and Love.
At the Tim Tebow Foundation, we believe in strengthening the family unit, and it starts with us coming together and urgently responding to God's call to protect His image-bearers, like Zion. Through our Adoption Aid program, part of our Orphan Care + Prevention initiative, we support families who have made the courageous decision to adopt a child with special needs. Alongside our ministry partners, Show Hope and Lifesong for Orphans, we help cover adoption costs and provide financial assistance to families around the globe. To date, we've given 340+ grants to families like Zion's since 2013. More than just a grant, it’s a celebration of a forever family, and the countless memories and moments they’ll share.
After knowing Jesus's redemptive love, we seek to bring the same kind of love that changes lives through family stories like the Johnson family’s. We have had the honor of walking with the Johnson family as our own TTF Family since 2017, and have witnessed how they have loved Zion through the years.
"When I reflect on all that God has done through our adoption of Zion, I can't help but think of Ephesians 1:4-6: ‘...before the Foundation of the world... In love He predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace...’ God is the one who initiated the adoption of us, and it was His plan all along. For my husband and I, adopting is a way for us to display God’s love and redemption plan to the world... just as God adopted us, we choose to adopt,” says Christi, “Let's display the hope of the Gospel to the world, welcoming children into our families just as God has welcomed us!"
Zion is loved and safe with his family, walking with him through each milestone. Because of your support, we are able to award adoption grants to deserving families like the Johnson family. We are privileged to have supported 63 families in adoption this past year, fueled by your prayers and giving for this rescue mission.
We believe every child is valuable. Seeing Zion thrive with his loving family, shows that brighter days await when we help bring a child home. Would you come alongside us to provide brighter days to one more child? And one more.
