Our Beloved Son
Before we ever stepped foot in Cambodia, we felt a clear word from God: Family will be the heartbeat of your ministry. At the time, we thought that meant how we would serve others. We had no idea it meant our own family was about to grow in the middle of a global crisis.
In the height of the 2020 pandemic, we brought home a nine-month-old boy named Judah. Born ten weeks premature and abandoned at birth, his life began in a place of profound brokenness. But the moment he entered our doors, we knew: he wasn’t just a guest. He was a son.
In the height of the 2020 pandemic, we brought home a nine-month-old boy named Judah. Born ten weeks premature and abandoned at birth, his life began in a place of profound brokenness. But the moment he entered our doors, we knew: he wasn’t just a guest. He was a son.
The Hidden Journey
For two years, we walked a tightrope. Because Cambodia and the U.S. lack a formal adoption agreement, we had to navigate a complex, delicate local process. We were told "No" more times than we can count. Because of the legal sensitivity, we had to keep Judah’s face and story a secret from the world.
We lived in the tension of a miracle-in-progress, unable to speak his name publicly, yet fueled by the quiet prayers and steady generosity of our support family back home. You were the ones who stood in the gap when we couldn't find the words.
We lived in the tension of a miracle-in-progress, unable to speak his name publicly, yet fueled by the quiet prayers and steady generosity of our support family back home. You were the ones who stood in the gap when we couldn't find the words.
A New Name, A New Future
In a move that can only be described as a miracle, the Cambodian government didn't just approve the adoption—they allowed us to change his name. Today, he is officially, legally, and eternally a Holmes. Judah’s name means "Praise." He is the living, breathing definition of our mission: to Love, to Disciple, and to Restore.
The Next Chapter
The battle for Judah’s family isn't over. We are now beginning the long and challenging journey toward his U.S. citizenship. It is a path filled with red tape and significant legal hurdles. We have sought out every legal option available, and currently can not get Judah a visa to visit, let alone citizenship. However, if the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that God moves mountains for the orphan.
We invite you to continue this journey with us. When you partner with the Holmes family, you aren't just supporting "missionaries"—you are standing with a family that believes every child deserves a safe loving home.
We invite you to continue this journey with us. When you partner with the Holmes family, you aren't just supporting "missionaries"—you are standing with a family that believes every child deserves a safe loving home.