Possum Trot: How One Texas Church Adopted 77 Children
If you put Possum Trot, Texas into your preferred map app, chances are it won’t show up. Much of Possum Trot consists of dirt roads and a country landscape. Located in Shelby County, about as far east as you can go before hitting Louisiana, most residents come from working-class families. Yet one church in this tiny town made waves in 1996 for their incredible act of love. Bennett Chapel Missionary Baptist Church decided to adopt as many of the hardest-to-place children in Texas as possible. Their congregation was small, but they knew no child should be without a home. What followed was an incredible journey that changed the lives of 77 kids. You’re never too small to make a difference, and Bennett Chapel proved it.
Ordinary People, Extraordinary Action
Donna Martin was in the middle of mourning for her late mother when she felt God calling her family to adopt. Though she had two biological children, her own mother’s limitless love inspired Donna to love that way, too. When she attended an informational meeting about adoption, her heart broke for what she saw. Many of the children available for adoption suffered abuse, neglect, trauma, and dangerous situations. And while they desperately needed homes, few were willing to take in children with such complex histories. Many adoptions failed, and the children ended up right back in the foster care system.
Donna discussed what she learned with her husband, W.C., who served as Bishop of Bennett Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. They knew they couldn’t sit by, so the Martins adopted four children: Mercedes, Tyler, Joshua, and Terri.
The Martins decided to share what was happening to children in state care with their congregation. What they said sparked a fire in the hearts of the church members. In total, 22 families decided to join the Martins and take action. Over time, these families adopted 77 of the hardest-to-place children in Texas, giving them safe and loving homes.
Surrounded in Support
Adopting 77 children, many with challenging behaviors and unhealed trauma, wouldn’t be easy for anyone. Some of the Bennett Chapel families were stretched thin on finances. Parents found themselves overwhelmed with the care required for each child, especially those with intense trauma. Some felt exhausted, others burnt out.
But where the church may not be wealthy, they were rich in faith and love. The congregation surrounded the members who adopted with support and encouragement. Some brought meals and helped with household chores. Others shared extra resources and funds. Together, they grew as one church family, and each child they adopted was able to stay. Eventually, no more children were left for them to adopt in their area. One tiny church did that!
Today, many of the families and adopted children still attend Bennett Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. W.C. and Donna still serve as Bishop and First Lady. The kids have grown to graduate college, pursue careers, and start their own families.
On July 4, 2024, the story of Bennett Chapel came to the big screen. We’re honored to have partnered with the Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot production team and CarePortal to help bring this powerful story to the world. The film raised incredible awareness, grossing over $11 million. As part of our mission, we raise awareness so millions can be inspired to take action.
The Current State of Foster Care
Today, there are over 100,000 children available for adoption in the US. Many of these children wait years even after a family expresses interest, and some never find their forever family. Older kids and teens with complex trauma or behavioral challenges struggle even more to be adopted. But we know the power of love from a family can change the course of a child’s life. It’s been proven time and again, not least by Bennett Chapel.
Imagine what we could do if all churches in America stepped up and followed the Possum Trot lead. There would be no child welfare crisis, no child without a home, and no family left to struggle alone. In a nation where the number of churches (350,000-400,000) is three times higher than the number of kids waiting for adoption, there shouldn’t be a child without a home. Taking it a step further, there are about 360,000 children in foster care: one child per church.
At For Others, we raise awareness and empower best-in-class organizations to end the child welfare crisis in America. Part of this involves ensuring every child finds an ideal family placement, which requires more foster and adoptive families. Ideal family placements are so important that they are one of the three key priorities of our Well-Being Support Ecosystem. To learn more about this bold approach to ending the child welfare crisis, click the button below!
