What's Next?Sample

What’s Next: Rethinking Orphan Care

Throughout the Bible, God shows us that He has a special place in His heart for orphans and vulnerable children. Time and again God calls us to care for them, reminding us that He upholds their cause. 

“Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.”  Isaiah 1:17 (NRSV) 

What does this mean for Christians today? The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us all to slow down and has removed common practices in our lives and ministries. The dramatic halt of international travel has given us time to reflect on how we might reconsider our mission trips to serve orphans. Typically, in an effort to respond to our biblical call, short-term missionaries visit orphanages to help out and spend time with the children. 

However, what if best-practice in caring for orphans looks much different than what we have done in the past? 

We read in the Bible that God created us to be in families. God began by designing each of us to be a part of His family, calling us His own sons and daughters, while Jesus calls us His brothers and sisters.

 “God sets the lonely in families…” Psalm 68:6 (NIV) 

When children are loved, protected, and feel like they belong, research shows they develop cognitively, socially, and emotionally—the way they should. Children depend on the consistent, loving care of a parent or caregiver and need the protection and safety of a caring family. Even more, families give children the chance to experience traditions, develop a shared history, and learn important relational and life skills.

In recent history, orphanages have been the first response for those seeking to help orphans. Few realize that of the over 5 million children living in orphanages, most have at least one living parent and other family members who are willing to care for them. Often, parents and family members are living in poverty and have to make an impossible decision to place children in an orphanage so they’ll have access to food, shelter, education, and health care.

So how can we help? Strengthening families is the best way we can support vulnerable children globally. We need to help parents and other family members meet their children’s basic needs so they can remain together.

When it’s not safe or possible for children to live with their family, alternatives like foster care or adoption can offer children a safe, nurturing, and loving home. 

 “…and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” Isaiah 58:10 (NIV)

Consider how God is moving you to reconsider caring for orphans. Ask Him to pave the way for you to make an impact for orphans and vulnerable children around the world.

For more information on evidence and biblically-based ways to support orphans and vulnerable children, visit faithtoaction.org.

We want to thank Megan Pratt with Faith to Action Initiative for contributing this day's plan content.