Orphan Sunday

Today is Orphan Sunday.  The Sunday where churches around the world join together to raise awareness of orphans.  In fact, the entire month of November is adoption month.

I don't know the statistics.  Statistics change so rapidly I never really know how accurate they are anyway.  But did you know that there are around 147 million orphans worldwide?  Did you know that about 50 million of those orphans would benefit most from adoption?  Did you know that there are 3 year old children in Africa caring for their infant siblings because there is no family to care for them?  Did you know that there are children in Eastern Europe who spend their entire lives in cribs?  Did you know that there are children in the United States who are moved from foster home to foster home while they await a family?  For those of you who are local did you know that there is an orphanage right in your backyard where children face every day without parents?  Did you know that prior to July of this year, nobody ever wanted this girl?

Nobody loved her.  Nobody wanted to give her a family.  Nobody cared if she lived or died.  

Except for the One that matters most.  HE loves her.  HE cares for her.  HE wants to see her redeemed.  HE knows what amazing things she can do for His kingdom if she will only be given the chance.  

Friends, did you know that because of your sin you look weak, fragile, and unlovable?  At least to the world you do.  But not to the One who created you.  While you were still in your sin, Christ died for you.  God adopted you as his very own child - a co-heir of Christ.  You have a family!  You have an eternity!  You have an inheritance!

And it's because of that very love and sacrifice that we in turn should freely give our love to the orphans of this world.  

With tears I tell you now that the little girl pictured about is LOVED by so many.  Because of God grace, she has a family coming for her.  Because of His mercy she has an entire community waiting to meet her and spoil her rotten.  He has big plans for her.  And He's using us to help bring those plans to fruition.  

But this one girl doesn't solve the crisis.  There are another 100+ million out there still waiting.  

What can YOU do to help end the orphan crisis?  Would you consider one of the following as a starting point?

- Adoption.  Internationally or domestically.  Infant or special needs.  There are so many kids who need families.
- Foster Care.  Even kids who are temporarily orphaned need care and hope.
- Sponsorship.  Sponsor a child.  Your sponsorship could very well keep them from becoming an orphan.
- Financial support.  Help an adopting family financially.  Support a local orphanage financially.  Give to your church's orphan care fund if applicable.
-  Advocate.  Spread the news about orphans and how we can help end the crisis.
-  Prayer.  Friends, prayer changes things.  Pray for these kids.  Pray for the families who will potentially come into their lives.  Pray for their caregivers.  Pray for those who are doing all they can to make a difference.

How can you help?  What is God calling you to do?