There is approximately 153 million of orphaned children in the world. While the number of homeless is most likely just as large. These numbers are staggering, and it’s really easy to get discouraged and to give up hope.
But the reality is, is that there is hope. There are organizations over the entire world that strive to help the orphaned and homeless. As well as new organizations being formed all the time.
This month we are volunteering at Manna Christian Fellowship which has an organization, Children in Distress. We have had the opportunity to work a little with this organization. They have 8 different locations throughout this area with a church and a home at each location. Some of the children are orphaned and live in these homes while other children come daily to receive a meal. Altogether they feed close to 1,500 each day.
This Christmas season we were able to party with these children. Each day a different team took turns going to the villages. We had bouncy houses, cake, candy, juice, soccer balls, and hula hoops. We simply got to spend the day having fun with the kids.
Now those of you that know me, you know that two days isn’t enough. Throwing parties is fun, and I love seeing children having fun. But I want more, I like seeing and being a part of the hard stuff. I want to help cook over the fire, to carry the jugs of water from the well, and help with the chores. I want to be there for the hard things not just the parties, I want to interact with the kids on a daily basis.
I’ve learned this month that I don’t always get to be on the front lines. Some days I get to work the entire day pulling weeds in a garden. But this garden is a part of what will be used to feed the children. And sometimes I get to pick up truck loads of food from distributors, carrying box after box into the freezer. Or sorting through bags of clothing. All of these things don’t actually include me working with the children, but all of it was still for the children.
The number of orphaned and homeless children is staggering. But if we all did something, whether that be actually providing the care, donating clothes or food, helping at a food kitchen, or sponsoring a child. Whatever it may be, if we all did something, no one would be left behind.
