I want you to do the work, but I want the credit.

Racism, racism, racism! It seems that everytime something doesn't go just as a black person wants it to, it's all because of racism.

W. C. Martin pastors a church in Possum Trot, Texas. Ten years ago, he persuaded his congregation to adopt 72 abused and neglected kids. Right off the bat, I'd say that was biting off more than this small congregation could chew. Most of the 200 of them lived in poor conditions themselves. God told us to take care of orphans, but he didn't say we should be stupid about it.

Anyway those people are now struggling. Martin says he's frustrated by the lack of support from surrounding communities. "Do you think for one moment they recongnized us? Nothing, not even a thank-you letter. It's pitiful." If recognition and thank you's were the reason for this misguided gesture, then it was not for the right reason. Perhaps if Martin expected help from the surrounding communities, he should have floated his plan to them before he carried it out.

Martin says, "These parents are having a hard time with these kids. They come with some baggage that is unbelievable." Yes, abused and neglected kids do usually need some special parenting. Martin should have thought about that.

At a community ministers' meeting Martin got flustered over how churches were spending their resources. Well, that's not his business. The other churches, so far as I can find out, have not been telling him how to spend his church's money. How does he know they're not following the Lord's leadership? I have to say, with the way things have turned out for him, I have my doubts that God told him to adopt those 72 children. Then there's this rumor floating around -- these kids were adopted so the church could avail itself of the state assistance checks that come with them. They also had a gym and learning center built for them free of charge by a reality tv show. They can't use it now, though, because they can't afford the utility bills.

According to Martin, though, the problem is racism. The community has some good people, he says, but the racism is out on both sides. I think the problem is a man who wanted to make a name for himself, failed to plan, and is now bitter that not everyone hails him as a hero.

"Adoption effort struggling." The Dallas Morning News; February 14, 2009; p. 4A.