Our generation is experiencing the most rapid increase in human population of all time. We are living during an era when there are more children in the world—2.5 billion—than ever before. Only half a billion of these children live in wealthy nations, while 2 billion live in developing countries.
Living in the East Africa country, Uganda, where there are 2 million orphans, and more than 50 percent of the population is under age 14, I’ve witnessed the plight that too many children in impoverished nations are facing. And I recognize the seriousness of God’s exhortation that the church place high priority on loving and protecting children—particularly those without parents.
“If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress” (James 1:26-27).
There is much work to be done. According to UNICEF, “Nearly 11 million children still die each year, often from readily preventable causes. An estimated 150 million children are malnourished. Over 120 million are still out of school. Tens of millions work—often in abusive conditions. Millions more are exposed to conflict and other forms of violence.” So, what can you do to help children in your own community and around the world?
• Intervene in prayer for children who are victims of injustice (Isaiah 1:17).
• On behalf of Jesus, deliver and/or donate food and clothing to needy children (Deuteronomy 10:18).
• Follow the example of Jesus by making children feel welcomed and loved when in your presence (Matthew 19:14).
Like Jesus, open your arms to a child today.
More:
Cursed is anyone who denies justice to foreigners, orphans, or widows
(Deuteronomy 27:19).
Next:
What needy child in your community will you love and support? What would motivate you to support an organization that cares for orphans in foreign lands?
sundew_mistral on March 22, 2009 at 9:18 am
let us continue to have a heart of looking at the needs of those unfortunate ones. God bless your heart!
Keneld on March 22, 2009 at 10:06 am
Very Powerful message…………Where can I send donations to help Kids like Joseph there in Uganda?
kayjennifer on March 23, 2009 at 12:48 am
I praise God that there are people placed in His light to show the world the plights of all His people who are suffering elsewhere.
May we continue to strive in praying and upholding the plights of these suffering nations—and not turn our eyes inwardly to look only at our own misfortunes!
Clay4thePotter on March 24, 2009 at 5:46 pm
We do not have to look as far as Uganda to find the poor and needy children of the world. Just look outside in your own community. Unfortunately, with the down turn in the economy comes joblessness, homelessness and poverty. There are many foodbanks in need of donations due to the increase in people who have suffered such a loss. Also, the increase in prices have put people over the edge. Just getting by is no longer an option for a lot of people. I do support missions in other countries too. The need is great everywhere. Maybe an Angelfood ministy is needed in your area.
czrooster on March 29, 2009 at 6:27 am
These are good reminders. As one in the rich western world it is hard to really relate to “the least of these”