Frequently Asked Questions
What is Adopt-a-Chaplain?
Adopt-a-Chaplain is a Christ-centered ministry, the only national charity that exclusively serves deployed chaplains. Our goals: to provide prayer and spiritual support for the chaplains themselves and to provide tangible support that will enable chaplains to more effectively minister to the soldiers they serve.
How did Adopt-a-Chaplain start?
We began in January 2005 through correspondence by Dan Hoebeke with a single chaplain in Afghanistan who was going through spiritual warfare. Later, Dan and his wife Ellen to sent him boxes of comfort foods which led to an introduction to additional chaplains. A discussion with Dan’s Friday morning men’s group resulted in their involvement. They in turn introduced it to our church’s Sunday morning adult group. It then expanded to the church as a whole and from there to other churches in the San José, California area. In July 2006 we received front page coverage in a number of local newspapers and word spread nationally.
How many chaplains do you serve?
We regularly serve more than 100 chaplains in Iraq and Afghanistan. Through them we reach over 100,000 soldiers.
How do you select chaplains to help?
We don’t. All that a chaplain needs to do is to request adoption. Jesus welcomed people at whatever stage they were in their life journey. We try to do the same.
How do we know you are legitimate?
Adopt-a-Chaplain is endorsed by America Supports You, the official Defense Department organization governing grass roots troop support efforts. Dan also had the privilege in February 2007 to meet personally with President Bush to brief him on the ministry.
Are contributions tax-deductible?
Yes. While our application for tax exempt status is pending, checks made payable to “Cornerstone Life Foundation” will provide the deduction.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes. We have a secure link to PayPal on our Web site.
Where do you receive your funding?
All financial support comes through contributions by individuals and groups. Corporations often supply needed materials and funds to cover the cost of shipping. We receive no federal funding.
How much of these contributions actually go into ministry?
Every cent. Adopt-a-Chaplain is completely volunteer-run. All contributions with either go into the cost of purchasing supplies or to pay postage (our greatest ongoing expense). All publicity materials, brochures and other administrative costs are separately underwritten by generous donors.
Is Adopt-a-Chaplain political?
Adopt-a-Chaplain takes no position on political issues. We support the chaplains simply because they must be equipped spiritually and tangibly in order to minister to the soldiers who serve our country.
What happens when a church or other group adopts a chaplain?
You are given all of the contact information for “your” chaplain. We anticipate that you will correspond with him or her directly. In that way, you will become personally involved in the chaplain’s ministry and find out first-hand what will be most helpful to that chaplain.
Do individual groups support chaplains alone?
No. In fact there may be other groups working with this chaplain as well. The main office of Adopt-a-Chaplain keeps general track of what supplies are being sent from all sources to each chaplain, ensuring that the chaplains’ total needs are being met.
Can I contact a chaplain directly?
No. Chaplains trust us to protect their confidentiality and security, and there is greater potential for problems if individual contacts are allowed. We are, however, most willing to forward letters to chaplains and give them an opportunity to respond as they see fit.
What do the chaplains need most?
By far the most common request is for prayer. Pray for the chaplains, their spiritual strength, their message to the troops, and, of course, their families back in the states. We also have an up-to-date list of the items they request for ministry.
Is Adopt-a-Chaplain run by any particular church or denomination?
No, we are independent by design. Individual churches and denominations are welcome to partner with us as affiliates.