Jedd Medefind

CAFO President

Desiring to help inspire and grow this deep transformation, Jedd serves as President of the Christian Alliance for Orphans.

Through CAFO, more than 300 respected organizations unite in shared initiatives to inspire and equip families, churches and organizations for effective service to vulnerable children and families — from adoption and US foster care, to aid and empowerment programs worldwide.

Prior to his this role, Jedd served in the White House as a Special Assistant to President George W. Bush, leading the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. In this post, he oversaw reform efforts across the government to make community- and faith-based groups central partners in all Federal efforts to aid the needy, from prisoner reentry to global AIDS. As described by the Harvard Political Review, these reforms “fundamentally changed the government’s strategy for improving the lives of the downtrodden…”

Previously, Jedd held a range of posts in the California State Legislature. He has worked, studied and served in more than thirty countries, with organizations ranging from Price-Waterhouse in Moscow to Christian Life Bangladesh.

Jedd writes and speaks frequently about faith, human flourishing, and wise use of emerging technology. His books include Upended and Four Souls, and his appear in publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post to Comment Magazine and The Gospel Coalition. He also appears regularly on radio and podcast interviews with both faith-based and mainstream outlets, from NPR and Al Jazeera to Moody Radio. Jedd’s most recent book, Becoming Home, spotlights how families and churches can embrace vulnerable children with wisdom and love through adoption, foster care, mentoring and more.

LinkedIn

Latest Articles by Jedd Medefind

Unhurried: Living with the Long View

Hurry corrodes all that is best in life. Gratitude. Calm. Attentiveness. Joy. Love. Hurry eats them like acid. They steadily wither beneath anxious, relentless motion. “Hurry,” observed Dallas Willard, “is...
Read More about Unhurried: Living with the Long View

Orphan + Stand Sunday Highlights

From the legacies of Orphan Sunday and Stand Sunday rose Pure Religion Sunday, a unified day for the Church to reflect God’s heart for orphaned and vulnerable children both locally...
Read More about Orphan + Stand Sunday Highlights

Caring for orphans isn’t just social justice, it’s divinely ordained

This op-ed appeared on Dec. 7, 2022 in The Washington Times in support of the International Children with Disabilities Protection Act, speaking to the inestimable worth of all children and...
Read More about Caring for orphans isn’t just social justice, it’s divinely ordained

The Remarkable Benefits of Giving Thanks

Few things transform a human life like giving thanks.  Scripture calls us to it.  Science confirms it. The Bible overflows with invitations to thanksgiving:          “Always give...
Read More about The Remarkable Benefits of Giving Thanks

The Needs and Opportunities of a Post-Roe v. Wade America

This week The Signatry is highlighting the great needs and opportunities likely to rise with the end of Roe v. Wade.   Included is an article by Jedd Medefind titled, "Renewing...
Read More about The Needs and Opportunities of a Post-Roe v. Wade America

Just in Time for Labor Day — New Podcast Episode on Work, Purpose, and Vocation

With Labor Day upon us, a new episode of the Justice and the Inner Life podcast takes a look at questions of work and Christian vocation.  Do you long for...
Read More about Just in Time for Labor Day — New Podcast Episode on Work, Purpose, and Vocation
Row rect Shape Decorative svg added to bottom

Stay connected with news and stories of impact in your inbox