A Calling to Care
When Tony and Shawna began their journey with Arms of Love Foster Care in early 2024, they prayed their home would be a place of safety and healing for children in need. What they didn’t know was that God would soon write an unforgettable chapter in their lives — their family adoption story.
Just one month after becoming licensed, they welcomed baby Alia, a precious little one who would forever change their lives. From the start, Tony and Shawna viewed foster care as a ministry — a way to live out their faith and share the love of Christ with both the child and her biological family.
Faith at Work in Foster Care
During Alia’s placement, Shawna built a caring relationship with Alia’s biological mother. She encouraged her in sobriety and shared the hope of the gospel. In late December 2024, Tony visited Alia’s mother in the hospital to pray with her. When she passed away in February 2025, the family continued to see God at work. Tony later met with Alia’s grandfather and began building a relationship centered on faith and hope. He also had the opportunity to share the gospel, extending the same love and grace that had guided their journey from the start.
A Forever Family
On July 2, 2025, the family adoption story came full circle when Tony and Shawna officially adopted Alia. What began as a foster placement became a forever family — one rooted in God’s love and care. The family continues to pray for Alia’s biological family while giving her the stability and affection she deserves.
Their story reminds us that foster care and adoption are powerful ministries of compassion. Through your prayers and support, Arms of Love Foster Care, a ministry of Arizona Baptist Children’s Services & Family Ministries, equips families like these to provide safe, loving homes for children in need.
If you’ve ever felt called to open your heart to foster care or adoption, we invite you to learn more or give through the Arizona Foster Care Tax Credit.
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