By Victoria Ostrosky
“Follow Me.” Those were life-changing words to the Twelve Disciples. Each one heard the invitation, and each one answered. But what did those words really mean to those men? They walked away from their professions and homes, friends and ambitions. They traded their dreams for Jesus. And they eventually gave the ultimate – their lives.
Jesus’ invitation is the same today as it was then. When we profess to be Jesus followers that means we’ve been called to give up who we are and what we want out of life, for whatever God wants. We’re called, like the Twelve, to die. Die to ourselves and live for Him. “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20)
In our society we don’t particularly like the idea of giving up anything. We’re independent and strong and bow to no one. That’s what Americans are. Except – didn’t Jesus Himself say, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) Yes, He most certainly did.
“Once you taste the fruit of obedience, you can’t go back. It’s like nothing else.” Jason and Casey Draughn made a promise to God some years ago. They told God that if He allowed them to buy a larger house, they would use it for His glory. Five bedrooms gave them plenty of space for plenty of children.
They followed through on their promise and became licensed foster parents. At one point, they were taking in so many kids Jason had to have bunk beds made. As their house filled with not just the laughter of children, but the issues and sorrows and brokenness they brought with them, Jason and Casey discovered their great need for God’s guidance and provision. “We found ourselves on our knees nightly.”
Jason and Casey’s two boys were quite young at the time, but were always involved in the decision making. As Jason says, “God honors our ‘yes’ to Him. God would show us time and time again how He protected our boys. ‘I’ve got them, Casey. I’m protecting them.’”
One of the many children they fostered was a 15 year old girl who had endured horrendous abuse. She was only with them for a few months, then ended up moving from one group home to another. When she was 18 and aged-out of the system, Jason and Casey reached out to her. “It was the beginning of a beautiful redemption story.” She now calls them mom and dad. Casey was there for the birth of this young woman’s son, who chose life for him in very difficult circumstances. Jason and Casey refer to themselves as this little one’s grandparents.
And the young mother is now an advocate for children in care. She’s using her voice for others.
Casey remembers how, over the years, they would reach out to friends at church for help and they would show up laden with food and clothes. “We couldn’t have done it without the help of our friends.”
The need for more foster families is great – in the nine years Jason and Casey have been fostering, the number of foster homes has not increased in Walton County. “These children need the love of Jesus. God said – don’t guard your heart with them. Love them as I love you. Cover them with prayer.”
I can imagine the smile on God’s face as He watched Jason and Casey bringing these precious broken and hurting children to church to hear about Jesus, throwing birthday parties to celebrate their lives, and spending time eating meals together. God desires a relationship – with Himself and us with each other.
We already know that children have a special place in Jesus’ heart. “I love how God does a hundred things in the one thing. Pray about being a foster parent, but don’t let that be an excuse to hold you back.”
You can hear Jason and Casey’s entire story and listen to many other incredible interviews on the weekly Road to Redemption radio show and podcast at www.rtrdestiny.com
Author: Sowal Editor
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