“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” -Romans 8:28
What happens when a child is taken from everything he knows and placed in a completely different culture, language, and family? For Isaac Melber, adoption was the beginning of a journey that would lead him through grief, questions of identity, healing, faith, and ultimately a calling to ministry.
In this episode of The Adoption & Foster Care Journey, Isaac shares his powerful story of growing up in Ethiopia, losing his parents, spending time in a Christian orphanage, and eventually being adopted by an American family. He opens up about the challenges of cultural transition and the questions he wrestled with as an adoptee—and how Scripture became an anchor for his identity and healing.
Isaac also shares about returning to Ethiopia as a teenager to meet members of his birth family and the unexpected opportunity God gave him to share the gospel with them. His story is a beautiful reminder that God can redeem even the hardest parts of our stories and use them for His purposes.
In This Episode, We Talk About:
- Isaac’s childhood in Ethiopia and his experience in a Christian orphanage
- The transition from Ethiopia to life with an American adoptive family
- Navigating language, culture, food, grief, and loss as an adoptee
- How Scripture helped Isaac process grief and establish his identity
- The importance of grounding identity in Christ rather than circumstances or achievements
- Isaac’s journey through soccer, football, and wrestling—and learning to use sports to honor God
- Discovering his calling to ministry
- His emotional return to Ethiopia and reunion with members of his birth family
- Sharing the gospel with his family during his visit
- Isaac’s book, Twice Delivered, and his desire to encourage adoptees, adoptive families, and the church
- Practical encouragement for parents raising children from hard places
A Word of Encouragement for Foster & Adoptive Parents
One of Isaac’s most important messages for parents is simple: keep loving your child, even when they reject that love.
There may not be a formula for parenting a child from a hard place, but faithful, consistent love matters. Isaac encourages parents to look for everyday opportunities to talk about adoption, identity, grief, and trauma. A movie, a holiday, a family gathering, or an ordinary conversation can open the door to questions a child may already be carrying inside.
His story also reminds us that our children’s stories don't end with their trauma, loss, or adoption. God is still writing their stories—and sometimes we have the privilege of walking beside them as they discover who they are in Christ.
Scripture Mentioned
Isaac reflects on the importance of immersing children in God's Word from an early age, drawing from passages including Deuteronomy 6, James 1, and John 3.
“Our identity isn't found in what we accomplish. Our identity is found in Christ.”
About Isaac Melber
Isaac Melber is an adoptee from Ethiopia, pastor, speaker, and author of Twice Delivered. His personal experience of adoption, cultural transition, faith, and reunion with his birth family has shaped his passion for encouraging adoptees, adoptive families, and the church to see adoption through a biblical and hope-filled perspective.
Resources
Twice Delivered — Isaac Melber’s book explores the beauty and complexity of adoption through the perspectives of adoptees, adoptive families, and the church. It combines personal stories, Scripture, discussion questions, and prayers to encourage families and communities.
Connect & Listen
If this episode encouraged you, share it with a foster or adoptive parent, an adoptee, or someone who wants to better understand the adoption journey.
And remember: God doesn't waste our stories. Even the hard chapters can become part of His redemptive work.
Links mentioned in this episode:
https://www.isaacmelber.com/
Free Breath Prayer Download
See Available Trainings
The Adoption & Foster Care Journey
AFCJ on YouTube
justicefororphansny.org
justicefororphansny.org/hope-community
Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org
sandraflach.com
Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms
Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon
