Dear Father Paul: My son and his wife can't have children of their

own and are thinking about adopting a baby. A family member says to watch

out because

adoptive children very often are problem children. - Debbie, Fayetteville.

Dear Debbie: Baloney! Millions and millions of Americans are adopted and

are perfectly happy, well adjusted and normal in every way. Moses was adopted,

as are every one of us who call Jesus Lord. The Bible says that we are "adopted

as His (God's) sons through Jesus Christ ..." in Ephesians 1:5. I have

three grandchildren. One of them, Jacob, is adopted and he is almost perfect

in every way. Tell your son and his wife to go for it!

Dear Father Paul: I'm so thankful for my church. During the recent illness

and death of my husband all of the members surrounded me with so much love

and care that it brings tears to my eyes every time I think about it. What

do people do when they have a tragedy like that and don't have the support

of a loving church family? Connie, Peachtree City.

Dear Connie: I don't know, but I've seen some really sad, bitter and lonely

people over the years who have gone through what you went through without

the love and support of anyone. In this day and age when families are often

scattered all over the nation, the love and care of a church family has never

been more important. I believe it is God's will for every person to be part

of a church where they can receive His love and care as ministered through

their fellow believers. To anyone out there who is "walking alone" I

would urge you to pray and ask God to direct you to a loving, Bible believing

church. Then do something about it, like starting to visit some of the wonderful

churches in our area.

Father Massey will answer your questions. Please write to him at [email protected] or P. O. Box 510 Fayetteville, Georgia 30214.

[Father Paul Massey is vicar of Church Of The Holy Cross, which meets Saturday

evenings at 6 p.m. at Fayetteville's Historic Train Depot.]