Acres of Hope: The Miraculous Story of One Family's Gift of Love to Children Without Hope

by Patty Anglin, Joe Musser

Over the past several years, Patty and Harold Anglin have adopted eight children with special needs, adding to their already large family of seven biological children. Their adopted children range in age from six months to fifteen years. They come from all over the world, from as far away as Nigeria and India. They are children who would have had no hope in this world if Patty and Harold had not opened their hearts and given them a home bursting with love and acceptance. Many people have asked Patty and Harold why they have adopted so many children with special needs. Their answer is simple, "There is a need!" Years ago, God gave them the verse, "And whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me" (Matthew 18:5). God has brought each miracle child into the Anglin home in a special way. They simply responded to the call. Patty says, "Our wish is that every innocent child will come to know and feel the love and security of a family. We believe if you are faithful and obedientservants of God, He will supply all your needs. We know this to be true; He has never let us down!"

Genres: Adoption, Biography

288 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1999

Reviews

[T. R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not sure why, but I picked up this book when I was about 13. My mom, at the time, worked as a social worker, and I was looking for more Christian books to read. I enjoyed it as a teen. In fact, it was this book that made me aware of Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God."

It has been a favorite scripture since.

Looking at my bookshelf, a few weeks ago, I decided to reread this story because I remembered how it spoke to me then. Definitely was a blessing to read as it has been about seventeen years since I've last read it.

This is a story of a family choosing to adopt and how the Lord continually made waves with each child's story and the impact that child made on the family. There are a lot of ups and downs. Patty points out issues with our society and the policies for foster families. Regarding our society, she points out how many children are not equipped with families or the right tools/instruction. This leads to a number of problems. All the more reason children need love and guidance. Children need to be treated as children.

Teenage pregancy gets brought up along with drugs/alcohol. How these crack babies struggle to survive. The measures that need to be taken. No, we're not talking about abortion. Patty, even in the book, makes the point that as a follower of Jesus she is against abortion, but she wants policy makers and supporters of pro life to really understand, "What do we do for these unwanted children? How do we provide for them?" An awareness needs to be made, and I love how Patty shares her concern for these kids and babies!

The hand of God is woven throughout their story. The opportunities God gave to minister to others, sometimes, through tough circumstances.

The heartaches and joys the reader can share in the story with Patty. It's a heartfelt message that challenges us to really go beyond what we think we are limited to.

[Linda Lyden · Rating 5 out of 5]

The love this couple gave to all the children was so amazing. It made you stop and think what each of us can give of ourselves in so many different ways. I loved it.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best writing but still inspirational. A story of a foster mother who goes great lengths to love the children in her care. Her faith and commitment is never ending and full of depth. She keeps the focus on her purpose every hardship she faces. The depth of care and person anguish she goes through caring for premature, drug addicted children is particularly inspiring. She uses basic attachment principles to care for all her children, even at a time the foster system was not promoting healing through attachment and other bonding.

[Adele A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I admired the author and her family for caring for children with dysfunctional families and special health needs. I felt uncomfortable, though, about giving so many personal details about these children and sometimes their parents that destroyed their privacy. I wondered if her strong personality and vision went too far in what she took on. The book is, however, a call for us to pay attention to children who often suffer with no one to love and care for therm.

[ML Blair · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about an altruistic caregiver of special needs children.

[Sally Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a story. These folks are saints, dedicating their lives to raising children that no one else wants. This is POWERFUL.

[Sabra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great true story about this family who decided to start helping children in need. They adopt many abused children who are crack babies and a few older children who were physically, sexually and mentally abused and those were disabilities. I loved hearing about each of the children and how when society thought they would never be anything but a vegetable, this family took these rejects home and loved them and prayed for them. You will not have a dry eye this entire book!

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the story of a family that adopts multiple special needs children. Right up my alley so you'd think I'd love it but for some reason it just doesn't resonate with me. Maybe it's because I can't relate to raising a large family of special needs children on a 200 acre farm in Wisconsin, at the age of 50 or 60. The Anglins are definitely following God's plan for their lives and I don't want to minimize that. I just didn't enjoy their story like I thought I would.

[Julie Gazca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational, renewed my desire to beome a foster mother and to make a difference in children's lives. Patty and Harold Anglin are Godsends, who genuinely have a heart for those children with special nees and who are harder to place. I admire them greatly for their dauntlessness and unconditional love! I can't wait until I can help in this manner! A must-read for those who aspire to foster and adopt children!

[Andy Perkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on a family's adventure of adopting and fostering children.

[Chris Desmottes · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome book - inspiring story of a family's devotion to special kids

[Lisa Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most touching books you will ever read! I very much enjoyed the story and found it hard to put the book down.

[Partridge Public]

Anglin, Patty
Musser, Joe