Real Solutions to the Real Challenges of Vulnerable Children
orphans...
the 'orphan crisis'...
orphanages...
abandoned...
neglected...
abused...
institutionalized...
These words...bursting at the seams with meaning and emotion.
As a believer and follower of Jesus, what is one to do with these words and the REAL faces that exist behind these letters?
Adoption, yes, is one option.
And yet, realistically, how many families are able to adopt?
There are closed countries where adoption is not possible. In these countries sit needy children.
Our country, Honduras, permits international adoptions, but very, very few. In the region where we live, La Mosquitia, adoption of indigenous Miskito children by Northamericans is unheard of. Our case is among 3 cases that will be the guinea pigs for the future of international adoption in our very poor region.
Above all of this lies the fact that many first families would not give their children up if they had the financial means to raise their own children. Poverty alone is not a reason to tear apart families.
So, again, what does one do?
Pray.
Bring children before the throne of God. Bring the orphaned ones. Bring the abused ones. Bring the ones who live in the shameful secret places of incest. Bring the sick ones. Bring the hungry ones.
Bring the families that are trying to the feet of our powerful, personal God. Bring those that desperately seek a future for their children. Bring the healthy children. Bring them all, my friends, before the heavenly throne.
Speak.
Talk to your friends, your small group, your church .... talk about ways to provide long-lasting change, ways to support existing families that are faltering but might just make it with a little help, ways that ordinary folks who love an extraordinary God can encourage those among us who are bending under the pressure of hungry mouths to feed.
Act.
As you brainstorm with friends and come up with ideas, put them into action!! If you need help getting started, I can point you to several opportunities here in La Mosquitia to come alongside ministries who are working to prevent orphans, working to support families, working to encourage mommies to care for their babies and working to care for those who ultimately need a second family. I started to list them all and then worried that I would forget something... so, please ask!
And Reach Out Honduras... what are we doing? The school that Reach Out Honduras is building, Instituto Vida Abundante, is more than a building to educate minds. It is a place where students and families can rely on 10 meals per week... a place where Love reigns, where Love is spoken on a daily basis, where Love has hands and feet and minds and hearts... a safe place.... a reliable place It is a place where Christ will be center... a place where discipleship happens.
The God-inspired dream includes a place for families to contribute to the school's future through volunteer hours and small tuition payments. In this, families are afforded dignity and an opportunity to contribute to their children's success!
One way to prevent the above-written words from engulfing more children is through education and family support. Instituto Vida Abundante exists for this purpose.
In the next few months, we will be putting together the sponsorship program for the school. We will be looking for 50 families to commit $50 per month so that 50 students can start 7th grade next February.
Will you pray with us about joining the work God is doing for these children and families in La Mosquitia?
Feel free to contact me with questions and thoughts. And watch the Reach Out Honduras Facebook page for more information!
the 'orphan crisis'...
orphanages...
abandoned...
neglected...
abused...
institutionalized...
These words...bursting at the seams with meaning and emotion.
As a believer and follower of Jesus, what is one to do with these words and the REAL faces that exist behind these letters?
Adoption, yes, is one option.
And yet, realistically, how many families are able to adopt?
There are closed countries where adoption is not possible. In these countries sit needy children.
Our country, Honduras, permits international adoptions, but very, very few. In the region where we live, La Mosquitia, adoption of indigenous Miskito children by Northamericans is unheard of. Our case is among 3 cases that will be the guinea pigs for the future of international adoption in our very poor region.
Above all of this lies the fact that many first families would not give their children up if they had the financial means to raise their own children. Poverty alone is not a reason to tear apart families.
So, again, what does one do?
Pray.
Bring children before the throne of God. Bring the orphaned ones. Bring the abused ones. Bring the ones who live in the shameful secret places of incest. Bring the sick ones. Bring the hungry ones.
Bring the families that are trying to the feet of our powerful, personal God. Bring those that desperately seek a future for their children. Bring the healthy children. Bring them all, my friends, before the heavenly throne.
Speak.
Talk to your friends, your small group, your church .... talk about ways to provide long-lasting change, ways to support existing families that are faltering but might just make it with a little help, ways that ordinary folks who love an extraordinary God can encourage those among us who are bending under the pressure of hungry mouths to feed.
Act.
As you brainstorm with friends and come up with ideas, put them into action!! If you need help getting started, I can point you to several opportunities here in La Mosquitia to come alongside ministries who are working to prevent orphans, working to support families, working to encourage mommies to care for their babies and working to care for those who ultimately need a second family. I started to list them all and then worried that I would forget something... so, please ask!
And Reach Out Honduras... what are we doing? The school that Reach Out Honduras is building, Instituto Vida Abundante, is more than a building to educate minds. It is a place where students and families can rely on 10 meals per week... a place where Love reigns, where Love is spoken on a daily basis, where Love has hands and feet and minds and hearts... a safe place.... a reliable place It is a place where Christ will be center... a place where discipleship happens.
The God-inspired dream includes a place for families to contribute to the school's future through volunteer hours and small tuition payments. In this, families are afforded dignity and an opportunity to contribute to their children's success!
One way to prevent the above-written words from engulfing more children is through education and family support. Instituto Vida Abundante exists for this purpose.
In the next few months, we will be putting together the sponsorship program for the school. We will be looking for 50 families to commit $50 per month so that 50 students can start 7th grade next February.
Will you pray with us about joining the work God is doing for these children and families in La Mosquitia?
Feel free to contact me with questions and thoughts. And watch the Reach Out Honduras Facebook page for more information!
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