I shared of one afternoon, of a normal moment that turned miraculous, not because I woke up and did or prayed anything different, not because we earned or deserved what happened, but because God is sovereign and at the end of the day, we either submit to it or fight against it.
As children, we “practice” interacting socially with others, and with society every day. Our world naturally expands as we join sports teams, perform at recitals and plays, meet extended family and travel on vacation.
Articulate, outgoing and personable – fifteen-year old Rubi exudes confidence. She loves people and enjoys helping care for the younger children at the orphanage she calls home.
Education opens doors of opportunity to people around the world. However, in developing countries like Nigeria the positive effects of education are often mitigated due to cultural factors.
If you’ve ever served alongside your children, then you’ve witnessed the enthusiasm that children feel when they know they’re helping others.
Lately, I have been talking to my kids about an outward focused life. Some call it missions, others call it outreach, I am hoping we call it normal. I have been explaining my heart for orphans as a ‘burr under my saddle’.
Joseline attends the programming faithfully. She loves craft time and thrives within the nurturing environment. For Joseline, and many of the other children, the meal at Mission Educ-Arte will be on the only one they receive that day.
I was sitting inside an orphanage in Mazatlan, Mexico this past week and listening to the directors of that home lament their older kids are too focused on their own needs, and not aware enough of the suffering of others.
Many of the children we serve lack access to books and lag behind in literacy. In recent years, thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have built libraries at many of the children’s homes we serve, empowering hundreds of children to discover the joy of reading.
I sit in this moment, realizing this Orphan Sunday event is a moment in time that God peels back heaven a little to remind us of how He is intertwining our stories, redeeming our brokenness, and challenging us to give to others that which we have been given.