Children in an Orphanage Near Nairobi, Kenya
Carefully look at the above picture. How many faces of children do you see? What kind of clothing are they wearing? What kinds of expressions do they have on their faces? Are they all children? Can you tell the boys from the girls? Look carefully into the faces of the children so you can look deeply into the face of Christ. For a moment, give yourself to the faces of the children that you see. Select one face or two faces and study them closely.
Today, there are millions upon millions of people around the globe who are orphans, who do not have a mother and/or a father. Some orphans live with an aunt or uncle; other orphans who are the oldest child become the mother or father. In Kenya and other Third World countries, most orphans live on the streets and are called "street children." The children who actually live in an orphanage/school are fortunate to have access to food, water, shelter, and education.
Jesus has said that God will not leave us as orphans in the universe but will personally care for us. As God freely and generously cares for each one of us, we are to care for the orphans of the world. How do you care for orphans? How do you give yourself to God's children around the world, children whom God personally loves?
LET US PRAY: Lord Jesus Christ, Lord of the universe and Lord of our world: we ask your special protection this day upon all the orphans on this earth. Bless their lives today. Sustain them with food, water, shelter and love. Fill me with intelligent and far-reaching compassion so my love can reach even far across the oceans to their hearts, minds and bodies. In Jesus Name.
