On day 2 in Nepal we went to find an ATM and some Wifi so we could connect with home to let them know we had arrived safely at our ministry host. We also needed some staples: toilet paper, baby wipes, and peanut butter. As in most developing countries we passed some kids begging for money. My heart broke for them. I expected to see this. I expect to see it in every country we go to. I was looking for peanut butter and they’re looking for money to survive.
Some of these children are begging for themselves, some are sent out with their parent’s, and some are slaves begging for their masters. They are literally treated like animals in the street, pushed away without a second thought. It’s hard to imagine what that life would be like. I can’t imagine being 6 years old, begging on the street. Imagine the hope that child would feel when they see a group of white people with backpacks on, people they’ve never seen before. Hope they will be provided for, hope they will receive some money to pay for food, lodging, medical care, or to give to their master to avoid physical punishment.
I don’t write this to sensationalize this injustice. But we can’t imagine what life would be like. We come from privilege. We can’t understand. The life these children live, break God’s heart, and they should break our hearts. The bible calls us to stand against injustice. But how do we do that? How do we show the love of Christ to these children? How do we give them hope?
Since Sunday I’ve thought a lot about these children, I’ve considered what I would differently, how would I interact with them, how would I love them better? I would like to think we loved on them…we made eye contact, we smiled at them, one of the amazing women on my team gave one of the girl’s some Fanta, but is that enough? I don’t think it is. What is a smile when you’re hungry? What is a smile when you’re 6 years old begging on the street when you should be in school or playing with your friends? How do we truly show them Christ’s love?
I don’t know the answers. I don’t think there is one answer. And if there is, it isn’t an easy one. I am praying that God continues to speak to me about how I can love well, and where I am called to stand against injustices both in the short term and the long term. Right now (for these kids) my prayer is that they come to know a life in Christ, that their lives are redeemed, and that their young lives don’t end on that street corner. Please join with me in praying for these kids in Nepal.
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