A Letter from Brian
Dear Friends,
Eleven years ago, Rachell and I had no idea where God would take us. We simply knew He was calling us to do something for vulnerable children and families. Looking back today, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for the people He has brought into our lives through Florida 1.27.
Since those early days in 2015, we've had the privilege of meeting hundreds of pastors, church leaders, foster, adoptive, and kinship families, child welfare professionals, volunteers, and community partners. Each conversation has reminded us that God is already at work, calling His people to care for vulnerable children and families in unique and meaningful ways.
This mission has always been deeply personal for us.
As foster and adoptive parents, Rachell and I have experienced both the heartbreak and the hope that comes with caring for children who have experienced trauma. We've walked through difficult days that stretched us beyond what we thought we could handle. But we've also witnessed something beautiful—the incredible resilience of children and the healing that can happen when they are surrounded by safe, consistent, and loving relationships.
Those experiences have shaped not only our family, but also the heart behind Florida 1.27.
Over the years, one truth has become abundantly clear: no foster, adoptive, or kinship family should have to walk this journey alone.
We've watched churches prepare meals, volunteers give up evenings to babysit, prayer teams faithfully intercede, neighbors offer encouragement at just the right moment, and child welfare professionals pour themselves into serving children and families every single day. Time after time, we've seen ordinary people faithfully showing up—and together, those simple acts of love have created something extraordinary.
They've reminded families that they are seen.
They've given caregivers the strength to keep going.
They've helped children experience belonging, hope, and healing.
That is why we believe so deeply in helping churches become the kind of community that consistently shows up for vulnerable children and families. Every church can help, even though not every church will serve in the same way. When each church discovers how God has uniquely positioned it to care, the impact reaches far beyond any one family. Together, we become a community where children and families are surrounded by meaningful relationships that bring hope and lasting change.
As we look toward the future, I couldn't be more encouraged. God continues to open new doors, connect us with incredible partners, and invite more churches into this mission. The momentum we're experiencing isn't built on one organization or one family—it's built on churches, volunteers, professionals, and families choosing to faithfully show up together.
Thank you for believing in this mission.
Thank you to every church that has opened its doors.
Thank you to every foster, adoptive, and kinship family who has opened your home.
Thank you to every child welfare professional who faithfully serves children and families each day.
Thank you to every volunteer, donor, and ministry partner who has chosen to walk alongside others with compassion and hope.
You are making a difference in ways you may never fully see this side of heaven.
Rachell and I are deeply grateful for each of you, and we are honored to continue this journey together.
After eleven years, I believe we're just getting started. Together, let's continue building a future where every vulnerable child and every family knows they don't have to walk alone—and where more churches become communities that consistently show up with the love of Christ.
With gratitude,
Brian Strawser
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Florida 1.27
"Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
- Galatians 6:9