Meet the Gulnac family! They are a first-time adoptive family in process to bring home a special-needs daughter child from China!
A Heart for the Orphan: God’s Call to a Pastor’s Family
“We are the Gulnac family! We are blessed with two girls Lydia (10) and Madilyn (7). We feel honored that Dan has been called to be the lead Pastor of Palmyra Grace church and have been there for 1.5 years. Jessica is a part-time lab scientist with UPMC Pinnacle. The Lord works in amazing ways. Through His Word, lots of prayer, late night conversations and even the mouths of our children He warmed our hearts to another child and specifically a child with special needs. We are adopting Katie, who is about 2 years old at this time and in Beijing in foster care receiving care along with additional therapy for her condition, cerebral palsy.
It is amazing how God used His Word to affirm our decision to adopt in its early stages. Scriptures such as James 1:27, Ephesians 1:5 or Proverbs 31:8-9 as well as passages such as Romans 8:15-16, Psalm 146:5-9 have encouraged us. In general, I was always aware of God’s heart for the orphan throughout scripture, but being in the process has enhanced my ability to see the rescuing heart of God all throughout the Bible – you can’t miss it! And the Spirit uses each passage to remind me that adoption is a way in which we get to reflect the heart of God in our world.
God’s heart is love, especially for the least of these, the marginalized, and lost, and the orphan. As we face each challenge, every piece of paperwork, every bill, God is reminding us just how far He went to show His love toward us and we are encouraged to live out that love toward Katie. We can’t wait to bring her home and love her as our own!
“We had many conversations with the girls as we were processing our decision to adopt Katie. Lydia has a very compassionate heart and from the beginning was a huge advocate for Katie in our conversations and prayers about whether or not to adopt. Madilyn is our youngest and she had some concerns about another child. Completely legitimate concerns about sharing toys and such. But one night during bedtime devotions she confessed that even though it may be hard she wanted us to do this because God was calling us to do it and it isn’t about her but what He wants. It was very encouraging to see how God worked on each of our hearts individually and how He united us in our decision as a family.
We have felt absolutely supported, as many closest to us were praying for us during our discerning phase, as we sought the Lord to provide us with clarity and affirmation. We have also received support from others that have adopted or have adopted members in their family by sharing their stories of trials and hope. Lastly, some have chosen to support us financially or with donations of items we will need for Katie.
At this point in the process it would be a lie to say each step is easy and filled with excitement. However, if God is calling you to adoption – you will get to see Him show up all along the journey. Our family was blessed by the documentary “Find Me.” (If you haven’t watched it find it on Amazon Prime or Right Now Media). God’s hand is clearly over us and this process and when we pay attention we get to see Him move in mighty ways. In ways we’ll never forget. This draws us to love, cherish, and worship Him all the more.”
Fundraiser and Donation Information:
Please mark your calendars for a pork barbecue fundraiser and time of fellowship with the Gulnac family!
Date: Saturday, February 29, 2020
Time: 2-4 pm (drop-in for as long as you are able!) Take-out is also available!
Location: Fairland Brethren in Christ Church, 529 West Penn Avenue, Cleona, PA 17042 (Across from the McDonalds on 422)
Cost: By donation, no tickets necessary
Also, if you feel led to give a gift to help Katie come home to her family: may give a gift:
1. Online: www.paypal.me/Tingministries
2. By check: Ting Ministries, 29 East Poplar Street, Lebanon, PA 17042
Photo Credits: Gulnac Family
Interview Compiled by: Sasha Carpenter, Administrative Assistant for Ting Ministries
This interview is posted here in its entirety. This interview first appeared in 2 separate parts on Ting Ministries’ Facebook and Instagram on December 12 & 13, 2019.