Small Town, Big Miracle: How Love Came to the Least of These

by W.C. Martin

On one memorable day, while Bishop W. C. Martin and his wife, Donna, were in prayer together, God gave them a one-word “Adopt!” They were called to carry out literally James 1:27: “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is to visit orphans . . . in their affliction.”

Over the next five years, the Martins would adopt four kids, including two with special needs. And though they didn't make adoption a “cause” at that time, the members of their church of 200 soon caught the same vision. The church has now adopted 72 children and counting. Includes an 8-page black-and-white photo insert.

Genres: Adoption, Nonfiction, Christian, Fostering, Christian Living

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 5, 2007

Reviews

[Lonita Shirk Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an inspiring story about what can happen in Christian community with adopting and fostering.

"If the church is championing the case against abortion, then we'd best be ready to "play catch" when waves of unwanted children inundate the system." (This is maybe not exactly how I would state it, but it's true.)

To be clear, this book is not a comprehensive review of fostering and adoption. If you are thinking about fostering and adoption, please read many more books with more detailed descriptions of the blessings and hardships such as the psychological effects of trauma. This book does portray an inspiring story and the author ends the book by a call to protect the fatherless and orphans because it's who God is.

[Clare]

I loved this story! I cannot recommend it enough.
There are a few moments that are a bit repetitive, but I don't think it hurts the flow of the book.
This is the beautiful, true account of a town in Texas that decided to make a difference and ended up changing the lives of over 70 children in the foster care system. Short book. Clean read. To the point. The book is written with wit, in a candid manner much like a conversation, and it doesn't shy away from allowing you to see the gritty side of the story either.
Definitely worth the read! Amazing true account.
This story has actually been made into a movie and is set to go to theaters on July 4th, 2024:
Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot

[Chandra Stovall]

While I love the intention of this book, goodness, it paints such a glossy picture of adoption. Some of the stories of how the trauma were handled gave me nightmares. I mean, as an adopted mom we have made our own mistakes but overall, some of this is just painted overly perfect. Even with God adoption is hard

[Rachael Caskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not everyone can foster or adopt but everyone should read this book. It's an inspiration as to what can be done when a small group of people come together. As a former foster paren and current adoptive parent, I wish we had this kind of community to surround us.

[Suzanne Cefola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great inspirational true story on adoption.

[Davy Bennett]

Pastor Martin was a guest preacher and I saw it live. Grace Church Woodlands (Houston).
Video sermon is about 42 minutes.
Worth a look, exceptional.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring story but more like a summary - lacking in details. Also made it sound so easy which I’m sure it isn’t. Thank God for these people and others who follow their lead.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is filled with true stories of "successful" domestic adoptions via the fost-adopt system. It should be inspiring, but the author doesn't dig deep enough into any of the stories to really help you understand what makes for a successful adoption of kids who have been deeply hurt before they were adopted. You simply need to just accept his conclusions that all of the adoptions went well, everyone had a happy ending, etc.

If the author's goal was to simply get readers to consider adopting, then he achieved his goal (but probably could have done the same thing with a magazine article). His book fails to explore the complex issues adoptive parents face when choosing to parent children who have been hurt by birth families, by bad experiences in foster care, etc.

I applaud him for the courage to share his story and get other people to consider adoption. But I would have liked to have him really dig into the issues, and give readers a more realistic picture of adoption. As an adoptive mom, I found the book very disappointing.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

As member of a family who has added to their family through adoption, I really appreciate the down to earth message in this book. I truley believe adoption is close to the heart of God, it is a present way we can serve the orphan in our midst. When you mention adoption to people these days there are so many missinformed and sometimes downright offensive remarks. This is truly a book that adresses the reality of what adoption means to me. It is on my keeper shelf

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a simple book about adopting children, specifically orphaned kids from tough situations in the foster care system. The writing is straightforward but the concept is even more simple: adopt these children who have been abandoned. Families from a small church in rural Texas took in 72 children proving you can too.

[Choosejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to be inspired! And if you read all the way to the end, where he answers the most common excuses prepare to be convicted! Better tread carefully...unless of course you want to be a part of the end to the orphan crisis we have right here in our own country!

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An inspiring account for people who want to adopt through the foster care system of a small, rural church who adopted 72 kids. It was uplifting, but I wanted to know more about the process and the work involved in shaping kids' behaviors etc.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing story of not only answering God's calling, but spreading the word and litterally creating an epidemic of love. I can't wait to pass this book on to others. I want our preacher to study and preach on this subject.

[Elena French]

A quick read...not the most eloquently written book but such a great story of how a tiny town of caring people can make a HUGE difference in the lives of children. This church became it's own support network of foster and adoptive parents.

[Jessica Dudenhofer Beery · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really neat book that tells the story of a small church in a poor community who step up to the plate and adopt children who were lost in the foster system. Neat stories, powerful messages of obeying God’s call to help needy children. Highly, highly recommend.

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Touching and Encouraging. It's amazing to read accounts of how God can move in impossible situations and see how he uses the simplest of people to do the most incredible things.

[Aryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with a great message. This community isn't unique.....every community has the ability to make a difference just as Possum Trot, Texas did. We just have to do it!

[Krista · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick read about a community that adopted kids with the most challenges from Foster care. There is a VERY strong Christian/scriptural push within.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational! What answering God's call to help the children can do in your life. NEVER giving up on those that need your help.