Orphans in this world are a numerous.
They have so many needs. What in the world can we do to help? I began
reading the book Orphanology by Tony Merida at the behest of a
good friend learning about our desire to adopt. This was right after
Orphan Sunday at our church here in China. David and I already had a
deep longing to help orphans in whatever way we could, but we
especially wanted to adopt a toddler. Did you know in America alone
there are over a half-million children who are in foster care and 130
thousand of those children could be adopted right now? That is an
incredible need right where you live in the USA. According to Orphans
Worldwide Website the most recent estimate of orphans worldwide is
153 million. That is 153,000,000 kids without parents to love them,
without diligent care. Some of them are true orphans and some are
social orphans (kids whose parents cannot take care of them or don't
want them). This book, Orphanology, points out that there are
225 professed Christians in America. If there are so many Christians,
why are there so many uncared for orphans?
Now, I want you to know that I believe
that each of you has a different calling from God, but I believe
Orphan care is pointed out far too often in the Bible to claim you
are exempt from any sort of help for the orphans. When I say you're
not exempt I don't mean that I think each of you should adopt a
child, though I do think that would be the perfect solution. What I
mean is that each of you should be doing SOMETHING for the orphans in
the world. That can be foster care in America, if you feel unequipped
for some reason, you could always offer to help someone else who is
adopting or fostering. You can also find an organization that cares
for orphans and support them. Another thing you could do, if you are
bold and caring enough, you could get your church to support an
orphanage in a region that the children can not be adopted. That way
these children can be loved on and given gifts, maybe even exchange
letters with people from your church! I don't know about you, but
that idea makes me excited! Being able to care for kids who might
otherwise be excluded from almost everything life should hold for
them!
There are also programs for types of
orphans you can choose to support, with money, gifts and letters.
They have orphanages just for the disabled children who need extra
care, some are even specific to the kind of disability. There is one
right here where I live called Haven of Hope for disabled Chinese
babies who don't receive the medical attention they should at
government facilities. You can check them out at www.havenofhope.com
to see about sponsoring one of the children there. We support a
little girl named Helen. There's also a local program in our area
called Sunshine Academy that offers school for kids in the orphanage
that wouldn't normally be able to go to school. They have a summer
program we are trying to volunteer at, which is something that most
people are not permitted to do. We're trying to get involved with
that for the part of July we will be in Dongguan. If there are TWO
English programs here in China, I'm sure there is something you can
get involved with in your very own backyard. Look for it! If there is
not anything there yet, be the change you want to see!
Most of the ways I have listed so far
involve some sort of money, but many people feel that they don't have
enough money to make it through a month, let alone support someone
else financially. What can those people do? There's a whole list! The
number one is prayer, but don't just pray, let the person know you're
praying for them! If you can include it in a letter of encouragement!
Tell the person/people know you stand beside them and offer to help
in any physical way. If you have a talent, offer to use that talent
as a fundraiser; i.e. if you are a photographer, offer to hold a
photo-shoot fundraiser. If you own a business have a proceed day
where people who buy things from you and you donate 10% (good
advertising for you too!) Overall, the easiest, free thing you can do
is be supportive and pray. Be there, be encouraging, offer time and
volunteer your time.
I hope this moved you to go out there and care for orphans in
whatever capacity you can! Follow God's call to care for the widows
and orphans out there however you can! Love them, support others who
are actively loving! God bless!
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