“We learned that orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names.
They are easier to ignore before you see their faces.
It is easier to pretend they’re not real before you hold them in your arms.
But once you do, everything changes.”
~ David Platt
I've seen them.
I've held them in my arms.
I've kissed their faces, and I will never forget.
The little bug on the left, the one in his handsome red shirt, spent most of a week wrapped around me. I wore him in a sling made from a length of cloth. And I love him with all that's in me.
These children are real, flesh and blood, not just stock pictures, and they need us - you and me. In the midst of what you and I would deem a nightmare and abject poverty, they still deserve joy, peace, love and protection. They deserve to giggle and play. They deserve an education which in their country must be paid for. They need food - that which you and I would deem meager fare, but is their sustenance. WE need to help them, love them and show them the love of God.
We need to be Jesus with skin on.
What's that you say? You can't go to Africa? No, problem. There are those who are willing to go and take that which you provide. But I can do you one better, you can sponsor one of these children. For the cost of less than a Happy Meal a day, you can provide food, housing, clothing and round the clock care for a very vulnerable child.
Let me introduce you to some of the most vulnerable which I had the honor of meeting.
Meet Noah.
Isn't he just beautiful? He's about 4 years old; we're not sure because we have no birth date for him. That's not uncommon for orphans. He's a quiet little man. His whole world is quiet because he is deaf. He was so lost and frightened when he first came into the center. I'm sure he was quite confused. However, he's been there for a few months now, and when I took this picture he was attending a school for the deaf. Without sponsorship he is not able to attend. Sponsorship of him, which would provide for his every need including school is only $125 a month. You can find a link for him and other littles who need sponsorship here.
Then There's Baby Liam.
He's about a year now. When I was there in Oct, and took this picture, he was about 10 months old. His head was at least twice the size it should be for one so young. He did not wake while I was there, but moaned and tossed in his sleep. I touched him and prayed for him. He is in desperate need of a shunt to relieve the pressure on his brain. This could be a life or death situation. His country is not able to give him the medical care that he needs, but they are willing to allow him to come to the US on a medical visa to receive care. If you are the one whom God is calling to help baby Liam, please email Hope 4 Ebola Orphans Charity. You can also Sponsor him and other babies who need sponsorship by going here.
This is Mercy
Like so many others, we are not quite sure of her age. She's listed at about 12 but could be older. At first she seemed like such a tough cookie, but when I made sure she knew that I saw her, asked her name and then taught her to sign "I Love You", she began to soften. I even let her take a stab at braiding my hair! For one who's had such a tough life, she still loves all things girly and pink is her favorite color. Mercy is going to school, but without a sponsor that could come to an abrupt ending soon. In her country, without an education, she has little hope. She has no special needs, other than she's a teen girl who desperately needs to know she is loved. Sponsoring her would be only $120 a month and if you are so inclined, or perhaps interested in sponsoring another girl, you can do so by going here.
There are also a few handsome boys who need sponsorship. I met many of them. Every one had a beautiful smile and sweet heart. You can find their sponsorship page here.
Part of my heart walks around in Africa. Trust me, getting involved with these children is one adventure you'll never regret.
