[No longer] a statistic...

Did you know there are reportedly over 145 MILLION orphans in the world?

That's mind-blowing.

It's easy to read statistics like that and not be affected...

but then, one day, you find yourself in Africa...a half-naked little boy runs to you with his arms stretched high. You bend down and pick him up. He wraps his tiny, boney arms around your neck and stares into your eyes--communicating a silent, desperate plea. A plea for love.

Suddenly, everything changes.

This little boy is no longer a statistic.

His earthly father abandoned him. Even when the father WAS around, he spent all his money on alcohol and even gave the child alcohol. But there's Someone who's the Father to the fatherless. He hears their cry and will one day bring justice...

But You, Oh God, do see trouble and grief...

You listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed....

[Psalm 10]

"Orphans are easier to ignore until you see their faces...hear their voices...

until you hold them in your arms. Once you're vulnerable enough to do that,

then everything changes." -David Platt

Last week, I visited an organization (SMILE Africa) in Eastern Uganda. My heart is still aching from what I saw there. Each day, they provide a safe place for over 200 at-risk children who come for food/bathing/etc. But at this point in time, the organization is only able to provide full-time care for a small number of those kids. The majority return to their homes each night; in many cases, their guardians abuse them whether sexually or physically. Not to mention their basic needs are not being met at home (lack of food, water, love, clothing, etc.) I was humbled and privileged to love on the "least of these" this week.

As Christians, I strongly believe it's our duty to love the unloved and extend a hand to the orphans. Do you realize that you were once a (spiritual) orphan? But your Father reached down His hand and rescued you from sin/death. Now it's your turn to offer these children hope in Christ and the cross.

[My lovely, new friend who helps look after these malnourished, abused babies.

Please pray for her and my other friends there--it is physically and emotionally draining.]