The Blessing of Special Needs Adoption - The Rice's Story

After 8 years of infertility, they heard the unthinkable: “You don’t want her—she’s not going to live.” Their response? “She’s our baby.” Ben and Ansley’s journey to parenthood was marked by years of heartbreak, fertility struggles, and hard prayers—but also by an unwavering hope that God would provide. When adoption became part of their story, they said yes to a little girl the world said wasn’t worth the risk. Then came a call to foster, a second adoption, and—unexpectedly—a baby brother. Their home is now full, not just with children, but with purpose. Through the 10:10 Life, they’ve found a church that prioritizes and supports foster and adoptive families, and they’re giving generously to help other families say yes to the same call. This is a story about trusting God when nothing makes sense—and discovering that His abundance looks different than we expect, but far more beautiful than we ever imagined. "I want to be able to minister to families, that don't have support. It can be so isolating. To have the church for the 10:10 Life, prioritize that. Unless you're in it, you have no idea how much of a blessing that is." - We are walking through the second year of a discipleship journey called the 10:10 Life, rooted in John 10:10. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." Be challenged by all that God continues to call us to, put your yes on the table and take a step of obedience. We should leverage everything God has given us, time, talent and treasure, all for His glory and invest in forever instead of storing up treasures on Earth. It will require us to sacrifice time, comfort, resources, certainty and other “life as usual” things to invest in eternal things that never fade. One of the most important things that the gospel compels us to is generosity. Jesus did not withhold generosity at the cross and we respond by not withholding from Him. Whether you are new to this journey, staying faithful through it or deepening the commitment of generosity the Lord has called you to, leverage everything God has given you for His glory and be obedient to the doors He opens. It is time to live in the fullness of life that God has for us. Find out more at 1010life.coe22.com