For a long time, adoption had lived quietly in my wife, Danielle, and my hearts—a seed planted years ago during our time in Illinois, while attending TEDS. We didn’t know when or how it would grow; only the longing to reflect God’s love in that way stayed with us. We prayed, we waited, and we trusted.
We were convinced that since God had loved us unconditionally and adopted us into His family, we wanted to do the same for one of His image bearers. We initially began to work toward a domestic infant adoption. However, when we took our first ministry position in the Central Valley of California, we soon found ourselves in a sea of need through fostering.
We began the process of foster-to-adopt, but the Lord had other plans. Three sweet girls were born to us over the next 31 months. Yes, you read that correctly. We have three girls with an average of 15 and a half months between births. We could not be happier; however, God continued to water that seed of adoption.
Then, one day, we received a call about a newborn baby boy named Mark who needed a foster home. He had been born 16 days earlier, and later that night, I would be bringing him home.
The foster journey came with its difficulties. The road was not always easy or known. Court dates and social worker visits could bring stress or unexpected news. We patiently endured.
"Just as if he had been born to you."
Then, 366 days after we first held Mark in our arms, on February 21, 2025—the day the waiting ended, the court finalized what we already knew to be true—Mark Isaac Schlecht was our son.
We stood in the courtroom, our hearts stirring with emotion, as the judge declared that Mark now had every legal right as our child. “Just as if he had been born to you,” he said. That sentence hit us with deep, spiritual weight. At that moment, Ephesians 1 came to life—we witnessed firsthand what it means to be adopted and made an heir, fully and completely.
It wasn’t merely a legal change for us—it was the culmination of our stories being woven together through God’s love and grace. Mark’s adoption stands as a living reminder of God’s unfailing love poured into our hearts as believers. Any recognition or accomplishment belongs to Him alone, for God first loved us; therefore, we love. We praise Him for the good works He prepared in advance for us to walk in. To Him be the glory!
We now get to introduce Mark to the world—not just as the little boy who lives with us, but as our son. He has filled our lives with joy, laughter, and cherished memories. We are honored to be his parents, and we thank God every day for this extraordinary gift.
Kent is happy to share their adoption journey with you. He can be reached by email.