Our Calling
James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (NIV)
Who We Are
The127 Faith Foundation is a registered nonprofit, 501(c)(3) ministry that seeks to rescue orphans and young adults who have aged-out of the foster care system. Have you ever wondered what happens to these 18-year old's after state services are discontinued? Statics indicate that 85% of these young people will end up homeless, on-drugs, and/or in prison.
Rather than waiting for them to come to us, we meet them where they are. We hit the streets, search under bridges, and travel through dark alleys to find them. Sadly, we discover many who are barely surviving, often in the worst crime-filled, drug-infested locations.
So why would a young man or woman choose to live this way? We believe the answer can be summed up in one word...
PAIN
Consider how these kids were raised. They have been lied to by authorities, abused by family members, bounced around, abandoned, and then cast out like garbage. It’s no wonder why they believe that fleeing to the streets is their only hope of refuge.
Why would homelessness ever seem like a viable option to any person? This is a really good question, and the answer is the key to understanding why so many young men and women live on the streets in America. Consider these three motivations:
- Escape from the people who have harmed them.
- Find freedom from authority.
- Experience pleasure, either through sex or drugs—temporary solutions to the trauma of pain.
The Bible is abundantly clear though. We only experience true freedom and pleasure when God fulfills His plan in our lives. Any alternative is simply a lie from the evil one. Believing one of his lies always comes at GREAT personal cost.
Why are so many orphans vulnerable to and seduced by these lies?
Realize that most have never experienced real love during their formative years. There was no adoring mother or proud father to build them up. Unfortunately, they experienced repeated REJECTION. Psychologists suggest that these formative experiences shape the “orphan identity.”
Rejection creates fear.
Fear causes panic.
Panic triggers the fight or flight response.
Orphans become runners, even as adults... seeking escape, often fleeing from the frying pan into the fire.
The 127 Faith Foundation is on a mission to intervene. We have been called by God to “GO,” to find them wherever they are. We are honored to be the hands and feet of Christ.
StevieRay Hansen, Our Founder
The strategy of The127.org is simple:
1. Find Orphans
Currently we are focused on Brownwood, TX with plans to expand throughout the Lonestar State and beyond. Two opportunities exist in Brownwood that help The127.org bear fruit. First, the city has become a hotspot for orphan migration. Second, there are many churches and parachurch ministries willing to partner with us.
2. Share Christ
True and lasting change comes from the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. (Future Note: Perhaps we should detail the plan of salvation here.)
3. Intervention and Discipleship
There are several components here. First, we connect orphans on the street to ministries that provide short-term food and shelter. Getting them off the street and in a safe environment is a priority for us. Second, we provide spiritual and practical guidance. Discipleship is the key to motivation and lasting change. On the practical side, we stress the importance of responsibility and work.
4. Financial Support
Any orphan or child that has been in foster care, who stays off the street and employed for thirty days can request financial support from The127.org.
How to Partner with The127.org.
- Prayer (Become a Prayer Partner)
- Financial Support
- Amazon Wish List
- Used Vehicles
- Volunteer (Houston, Dallas, Ft. Worth, San Antonio)