Let me set the scene. It was June of 2014 and I was serving at an orphanage in Swaziland. One of the forms of ministry for the month included fixing up the huts used for the preschool classes. Each afternoon a few of us would head down to the little huts to paint animals, calendars, the alphabet and more. During this time, the neighboring primary school dismissed students as well. The few of us who typically painted were used to hearing the children laugh and play, and sometimes cry outside the windows, as they often played outside for awhile before going home. However, little did I know that one afternoon spent painting in those huts would change my life forever.
Screams. Blood-curdling screams. One scream followed by another. Whoever was screaming wasn't stopping, wasn't just playing. I jumped up to my feet and ran to the window. It felt like each scream was hammering away at my heart as it left the mouth of the child it belonged to; what was going on? From one window to the next I ran, just in time to see a sight that I will never forget. There was a circle of children, an audience, watching as a laughing little boy had his way with a terrified little girl. Her screams and cries were partnered with an attempt to keep her dress pulled down, to get this little boy's hands off of her as she tugged her body away from him.
Screams. Righteously angry screams left my mouth. I yelled for him to get away from her, to leave her alone. His laughing stopped, the circle dissipated, and the little boy sprinted down the street. I sprinted too; out the door and to the side of the little girl he left in despair. I cradled her in my arms and prayed over her. I told her through tears- hers and mine- that it was over now, and that none of it was her fault. I soon came to find out that this abuse is a regular occurrence after school. My heart broke that day for the children of Swaziland who face injustice and fear. My heart broke even more after reporting the incident only for nothing to be done- not even by the family of the little girl. And when I thought it couldn't get any worse, my heart broke deeper still as I walked the little girl home and found out he was her half brother.
It took me awhile to see my role in this incident. I could only see the ugly, the hurt, the flesh. I wondered why I had to be there during it, why did God allow me to see it? But I see it from a different perspective now. I can honestly say that I am grateful to have been present. For the hour or so that I spent with this little girl, I was able to provide safety. I held her in my arms, I reported the incident, and then I walked her all the way to her front door. But more than that, I was able to pray over her, pray with her, and speak truths over her. I was able to offer her hope and protection under the wings of her heavenly Father; a hope and protection that would last long after I left.
The two days leading up to this afternoon I had been praying for God to bring me confirmation and clarity. I felt that the Lord had given me a dream to reach out to children facing abandonment and injustices. I wanted to rescue and offer hope to them. Through this incident I was given that confirmation and clarity. God showed me his heart for children, for rescuing them from injustice, but he also showed me that he wants me to offer them so much more than an earthly hope. He wants me to offer them refuge in Him.
God has shared a piece of his heart for his children with me. I have seen too much to not stand up for these children, to not offer them love, hope, protection.
Please partner with me in prayer for the children of this world that daily face injustice.
"His kingdom come, His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
To be honest, I'm really not sure how this is supposed to look. I don't know where or how to start. But I can rejoice in the fact that my Father does know, and that little by little he is giving me the direction I need. The next step, which he made clear to me before I even knew why, is going to G42 Leadership Academy. Here I will be given information, tools, and resources to make my God-given dream a reality. If you would like to know more about this, check out my 'What's Next' blog, and if you would like to support me in this next endeavor you can do so via http://www.g42leadershipacademy.org/donate .
Love,
Kara
