In July, Susanna and Rode Zambrano, Arms of Love foster parents, were walking through a challenging season with the children placed in their home. Biological sisters Ashley and Gloria had recently joined their family, but the transition had not been easy. Ashley had been experiencing frequent tantrums and behaviors that were difficult to manage, which began to strain their relationship. Susanna, Rode and Ashley all shared that the past month had been difficult and that something needed to change.
Leading with Compassion
The family met with an ABCS foster care licensing worker and a representative from the Department of Child Safety (DCS) for a quarterly check-in. During this meeting, each person shared openly and honestly. The family showed empathy toward one another’s perspectives and worked together to discuss possible solutions to support Ashley and improve her behavior. There was a collective desire to move forward with love and compassion.
The Prayer of a Child
They decided to close their time together in prayer. Susanna began, and the licensing worker joined her. Then, Ashley asked if she could pray too.
She thanked God for her foster parents and said, “I know you can hear us and you are listening and are here with us. I ask for help with my tantrums.” She ended her prayer with the words, “Jesus, you are the King of this house.”
Everyone in the room recognized that this moment was something special. This simple and powerful prayer did not come from a pastor or theologian, but from a five-year-old child. Even the DCS representative, who did not share the same faith, was deeply moved. They described Ashley’s prayer as unique, authentic and deeply sincere.
In the Gospel of Matthew 18:3–4, Jesus says, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” God does not expect us to have all the answers. He knows we are not capable of perfection. He simply asks us to come to Him with childlike faith.
Ashley understood something many of us forget at times. She knew she needed help, and she trusted that Jesus would hear and help her.
By November, the Zambrano family had joyful news to share. Ashley and Gloria were officially adopted on November 21, 2025, which is also National Adoption Day! These two girls will grow up in a home grounded in faith and surrounded by the love of Jesus.
We praise God for His provision in the Zambrano family’s life, and we pray they always remember that the King of their home is faithfully watching over them.