Jesus’ words, “Let the little children come to me” (Matthew 19:14), are more than a moment of tenderness. They reveal His heart for the overlooked, the vulnerable, and those society often pushes aside. In this message, Darin and Jolene Shrock share how their family’s journey became intertwined with God’s heart for children in Ethiopia—and how Awake and Alive now serves nearly 300 students through Bright Future Academy.
The Heart of Jesus Toward the Vulnerable
Jesus consistently turned toward those the world ignored: the poor, the sick, the widow, and the child. His ministry revealed a kingdom shaped not by power, but by compassion and dignity. When the Church serves the overlooked, it steps directly into the mission and character of Christ. Darin and Jolene’s story flows from that truth. Their calling didn’t begin with a strategic plan—it began with heartbreak, hope, and a simple yes.
A Story Marked by Loss and Calling
Darin and Jolene married young with the dream of building a family. Jolene longed to be a mother, and after years of waiting while Darin finished school, they finally learned they were expecting. At three months, she miscarried. Complications left her unable to conceive.
This loss created grief, disorientation, and a crisis of faith. Jolene struggled to reconcile God’s goodness with her reality. In the darkest nights, she cried in her sleep, unable to pray, worship, or return to church.
Yet in the middle of that pain, she sensed a clear word on her heart: You don’t need to be pregnant to be a mom. The message brought unexplainable peace—peace that led her back into worship, back into community, and into a calling she never expected.
The First Yes: Adoption
That same Sunday, their church shared that a family was leaving for Ethiopia to adopt. Jolene leaned over and asked Darin what he thought about adoption. His response was immediate: “I think we should.”
Six months later, Jolene became a mother. Holding her daughter for the first time changed everything, but so did the moment she walked past rooms filled with children—many sharing cribs, many without families, many without safety. Her greatest joy collided with a heartbreaking question: Who will mother these children? Who will sing to them, hold them, or comfort them?
Their first yes led to more. Fifteen months later, they adopted Benjamin and Stella. Years later, they welcomed Leo. Their family became a family of six.
The Second Yes: Building Something Bigger
During their adoption journey, Darin and Jolene met an Ethiopian leader with a vision—not for an orphanage, but for a school that could keep vulnerable families together. Poverty often forced parents into heartbreaking decisions; education could break that cycle.
In 2011, Bright Future Academy opened with 20 preschool students.
Today, funded entirely through Awake and Alive and generous partners, the school serves nearly 300 children. Students receive clean water, meals, education, tutoring, and dignity. Families receive stability and hope. Many original students are now adults beginning their own journeys.
Their yes multiplied far beyond what they imagined.
How Generosity Changes Lives
Awake and Alive supports children through sponsorships and donors—including Restōr Church. A single sponsorship of $44 per month supports a student’s education, meals, and care.
Darin shared stories from his recent trip, each highlighting the long-term impact:
- A blind father whose son’s enrollment inspired him to pursue education. Awake and Alive funded his schooling; today he teaches blind students.
- A mother trapped in extreme poverty, whose life changed when the Academy cared for her daughter and provided medical care and stability.
- Generational impact, as families who once faced impossible decisions now stand on new foundations.
Darin emphasized that while he and Jolene are the storytellers, every giver participates in the mission. None of this work happens without a community choosing generosity.
Facing New Challenges
Addis Ababa’s rapid expansion is pushing slum communities like Kichene into redevelopment. Many families connected to Bright Future Academy have been displaced or forced into unaffordable housing. Without help, some cannot stay in the program—leading to disrupted education and instability.
Awake and Alive is now working to keep families local and secure housing so children can continue their education.
Practical Takeaways
- Serve those Jesus notices—the vulnerable and overlooked.
- Trust God with your yes; you cannot predict how far obedience will reach.
- Recognize that generosity, shared collectively, changes entire communities.
- Understand that small financial investments can shape generational outcomes.
- Allow compassion to interrupt comfort and shape calling.
Bottom Line
God often moves through simple obedience. When His people notice the vulnerable and respond, heaven touches earth. Darin and Jolene Shrock said yes to one child, then another—and eventually to hundreds. Their story shows what happens when faith, compassion, and generosity work together.
Next Steps
If you want to play a role in serving vulnerable children and families, or if you’re ready to explore what your next yes might look like, click here to take your next step.
