A large percentage of the work that I do to support children and caregivers is remote-based. Through the Chaplain Ted Network, we currently have over 1,200 parents enrolled who are caring for more than 2,000 children. While much of this ministry happens through screens, courses, prayer requests, and online encouragement, every once in a while we get the beautiful opportunity to witness the impact in person.
That brings us to Catharine and Derrion’s story.
Catharine began her foster care journey in 2021 and discovered our free live training resources online a few years later. In August of 2023, she enrolled in her very first course with us: “Opioid Awareness and What Parents Should Know.”
It was during this season of her life that she met Derrion, who was just five and a half months old at the time.
As with so many foster care journeys, there were both highs and lows. There were court dates, difficult decisions, sibling relationships to navigate, and birth parents working through their own crises and challenges. Foster care is rarely simple, and every child’s story carries deep layers of pain, hope, uncertainty, and love.
Thankfully, Catharine and Derrion had a strong support system surrounding them through their church, family, social workers, and the Chaplain Ted Network.
I feel like we only played a small role, but Catharine regularly shared prayer requests with our prayer team and continued taking courses to maintain her foster care license and continue growing as a caregiver.
As Derrion’s case progressed, it became increasingly clear that he would likely not return to his birth mother. By this time, he had also formed a deep and beautiful bond with Catharine.
She was already “Mom” to him in every way that mattered.
Soon, she would officially become his forever mom.
Derrion needed stability and permanency, but even more than that, he needed family.
Recently, Catharine reached out to me with a beautiful invitation to join her friends and family in celebrating Derrion’s adoption day.
The courtroom was packed. Friends and loved ones filled the seats, while pages of supporters from across the country joined on Zoom to witness this special moment.
My son Zeke and I had the opportunity to drive down and be part of the full day of celebration and festivities. It was a beautiful event—one we are truly grateful to have witnessed and participated in.
Moments like this remind us why we continue doing this work.
Every training matters. Every prayer matters. Every encouraging message matters. Behind every screen is a child who needs hope, healing, and a place to belong.
Congratulations, Catharine and Derrion. We celebrate with you and thank God for this incredible milestone.
“May the Lord bless you and keep you;
may the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
may the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
— Bible