I have been privileged to share my time here in the Children’s home with 25 children ranging from a new-born baby to a 12-year-old boy. There are children who have been here for a week, some for a couple of months and others for a very long time. The children here are blessed to be surrounded by people who love them, care for them, and who provide all of their basic needs.
One thing that they can’t provide however is the love of a parent. Even though most of these workers love these children like they are their own, there is just something missing. Baby Hannah has all the instincts of a new born baby and she is looking for someone to feed her even when she has never been fed that way, children know what is normal and what is different.
These children here all have amazing stories of survival. Some of the children have been dropped off here when their parents could not afford them anymore, some have been street kids rescued by social workers and oth
ers have been abandoned by their family. There is nothing more amazing than the story of a child who has overcome adversity and finds that all their strength and freedom did not come from themselves but from a God who loves them so much he gave his only Son to come and protect and bring grace and compassion just for them.
There are a couple of boys here that are just so amazing. One is 11 year old “Charlie” and 8 year old “Jonah”. They are so different yet their determination and compassion for other people is unforgettable. “Charlie” was a street kid. He ran away from home, was in a gang and had anger problems that would turn violent. As I look at this boy now I see freedom. There are still traces of his former self, but he has found new life in Christ and lives like a young man knowing he has a place in the kingdom of God.
“Jonah” is new here, he is still learning to fit in with the other boys, he is still very sensitive, but his love is unconditional. When I look at him, I see Christ. When I come down the road and I see him running towards me without a care in the world I know that he is free, free from his past and ready to head into a future of love. Joseph is a sweet boy, he truly is incredible and God has blessed him with the ability to love others without question, he looks after the young ones and is so tender and gentle.
All these children come from many different places but the good news is they have been re
scued. There are still many children on the streets without a place to call home. I am so happy that someone is out there saving these children from a future of neglect and abuse and bringing them the love of Christ.
