I sit here in my room not being able to get the faces of those children out of my head. I can’t stop picturing them under their mom’s bed or wandering the dark streets while she’s working.
My heart breaks.
I spend the day in one of the darkest parts of India. Right around me is the largest redlight district in all of Asia. Surrounded by brothels and poverty, looking up at me were the beautiful eyes of 25 boys and girls. They spend the day at a local drop-off center where they receive meals, education, and childcare. Most of these children cannot receive public education because they do not have a last name, or in other words, the father cannot be identified. They spend the day at the center, but at night, return home to where their mom’s work, a brothel.
There is hope.
We spend each day teaching these children about a God who loves them dearly. We worship together learning English songs and actions to praise a God who has not forgotten about them. We try to make ths center a safe enviorment where they can escape the outside world around them and be innocent children playing games and laughing uncontrolably.
I have hope for these children; for all children of India. Hope that one day no child will have to hide under a bed and witness their mom’s work. That no child will be forced into prostitution themselves. That justice will be served and the captives will be set free. Oh what an amazing day that will be, but for now I will love each child here for the time being. I will pray for them through the night. I will tell them about Jesus and the hope He brings. I will sit with their moms and tell them how beautiful they are inside and out. I will attempt to speak Hindi just to make them laugh, and to bring them joy if only for a second of their day.
I cannot believe that God is letting me love His people like this and that He is using me to bring joy to His child and His daughter. Wow. Thank you God. For real. Thank you.
