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.
Wendy, who grew up in a children’s home, had quietly dreamed of having a quincenera but she had never actually attended one. It didn’t take long for her to realize that the day would reach far beyond a simple party.
This year, we officially launched a ministry site in Haiti with our partner, Jesus in Haiti Ministries (JiHM). Since the earthquake in 2010, we have made numerous trips to Haiti with great friends and partners of Back2Back who are interested in coming alongside us on this journey.
Anusha is a vivacious 7-year-old girl, who is full of joy. Her favorite color is pink and she wants to be a doctor when she grows up. Anusha enjoys board games and playing with her friend, Neha, and attending church along with the other children in the Peace Home.
Gaby is pursuing a degree in visual arts and film thanks through the support of Back2Back’s Hope Education Program in Monterrey, Mexico. Students like Gaby are mentored, provided with an education, and encouraged to pursue their dreams so that they can become self-sustaining individuals who give back to their community.