In June 2026, Suvi Kauppinen and Ruth Sharon from WWO Europe joined the Finnish Free Churches’ Summer Conference. During the event there was a four-hour seminar for Christian foster and adoptive parents and others caring for the vulnerable children in Finland.
Inspiration and Strategy from the UK
The gathering was led by Krish Kandiah from the UK. Addressing a group of 40 to 50 participants, Kandiah delivered biblical teaching on family-based care and shared his own family’s story of fostering and adopting.He explained how he developed an organization in the UK to mobilize the church to take up this challenge. The seminar provided an opportunity for questions and strategic thinking specifically for Finland. Participants were fully engaged throughout the session, and hearts as well as minds were clearly touched by the message.
WWO Europe’s vision and mission came to life through the image of different body parts, each needing to connect and move together toward a shared goal. Participants immediately grasped why this kind of collaboration matters — a truth brought home by a moving personal story about the adoption of two grandsons. Their journey shows the circle of support that surrounds them: from adoptive parents and extended family, to a church family that now includes six other adoptive and foster families, with this kind of care woven into the very DNA of the church.
Groundbreaking Steps and a Shaping Picture
As always, the informal meetings with individuals and small groups proved to be the most significant. Our Finnish partners shared the groundbreaking work ViaDia is doing with fostering and adoptive parents, which is supported by government funding. By coincidence, a striking picture of a shoemaker's wheel was hanging on the wall of the room where these conversations took place.
This image deeply shaped the dialogue and inspired the group to ask what would happen if they were able to find the other parts needed to make the whole picture. They wondered how they could collaborate using all their skills, expertise, and resources to make a difference to all vulnerable children in their region and country. Finally, they questioned what it would look like if the church and God’s people took the lead in fulfilling His mandate to care for children who are not in safe, loving homes.The conclusion of the conference was clear because it is not about doing more work, but about working together.
