If you were asked this question how would you answer? Honestly just a short time ago, about 5 years ago, my answer would probably sound like this…..dirty kid with worn or ripped clothing (or maybe no clothing at all), sleeping outside in the dirt, roaming the streets looking in garbage dumps for a small scrap of food, bulging belly from intestinal worms or other ailment. My perception would have solely come from pictures broadcast to tug at heartstrings.
Today my perception is different…..unfortunately, there are orphans (and non-orphans) like the ones I described above and I know people who are out on the streets helping them, God grant them strength to continue the work You have laid before them. But I also know some orphans don’t necessarily fit the perception of what we think an orphan should look like.
C4KK knows this firsthand. We have several orphans living here, together as a family. By God’s grace, provision and mercy they have food every day without having to search for it. They have a warm bed and a solid roof over their head to protect them from the elements and human evils. They are educated without fear of being sent home because school fees aren’t paid. They have clothing and school uniforms which fit and if clothing is ripped it gets repaired or replaced. C4KK has a doctor on call to address their medical issues. But most importantly they have people around them who love them, showing them the love of Christ through actions.
The secondary kids came home from school last week and one of the boys said “dad, you know that many people at school do not believe we live at a children’s home.” Chuck asked why. “We get bread at school (this is an additional expense paid by the parent, not supplied by the school) and those kids at children’s homes don’t get bread, so people can’t believe we are treated well.” When we mentioned to a government official (who deals with children) that we were looking at getting braces for a child, she looked surprised and said “why bother, they aren’t movie stars?”
No but they are children, children God brought to us to take care of and love like our own and that’s what parents do…take care of their kids’ physical needs along with their emotional needs.
Yes providing for their physical needs is important (“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40) ’but letting them know and showing them they are wanted and loved….isn’t that what Christ told us….love your neighbor? (Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. Matthew 22:37-40) It just so happens my neighbor includes 29 children who otherwise may not have had these opportunities. Not only are they loved by those around them, they also know you, their supporters, love them because of your sacrifice for their care.
Here’s a glimpse of a few of our kids:
Stanley is one of our tutors
Preparing lunch with some veggies grown in our shamba (garden)
Learning even while school is on break!
They don’t look like orphans do they? And for that I’m so thankful God is providing, through you, this life for them. I pray God’s glory is shown to everyone who meets these kids and sees the love they are receiving through this family at C4KK!