Our world has a problem. That’s OUR world; yours and mine. WE have a problem. An orphan problem. They’re everywhere.
Every.single.day 27,000 children become orphans. There are 153,000,000 of them. By the way, that’s a conservative estimate; some reports say there are as many as 167,000,000 biological and social orphans.
I realize the facts are daunting, but the reality is fantastic. WE—you and I? WE can make a difference! WE can come together with one voice … for one purpose: to see children’s lives transformed.
Don’t believe me? I’ve seen it with my own eyes. We CAN make a difference. It happens one child at a time.
When you click on the Sharing Hope tab, you’ll have easy access to stories of children whose lives are being transformed—and young adults who are alive and thriving, often with families of their own, because someone decided to stand up for them. You can do the same.
Why do I stand up for orphans? Well, it all started with a COLLISION.
Won’t you join me? Here are some things you can do.
SEND VALENTINES
When you make Valentines for the “loves” in your life, why not make some extras? There are young girls I know who have been taught that their only value is as a sexual object. Some as young as 10 have already been prostituted, often by their own families. How can they possibly understand what true love is? For these girls, the concept of dating and marriage, love and family, evoke feelings of confusion and guilt and fear.
But their stories don’t have to end there …
In Brazil, the Day of Love is in early Summer. On that day, surrounded by godly women who love them, the girls are taught about true love and purity and what it means to be of value as one of God’s highest creations … and loved by their Creator. As part of their celebration, each girl receives Valentines that show them they are special. Valentines that come from people who took time to make a few extras for someone they don’t know. People like you and me. It’s a small act that has a huge impact on the way young girls think of themselves … and how they face the future.
PRAY
I believe in the power of prayer. So does Hope Unlimited for Children. Throughout its 27 year history, Hope Unlimited has raised united voices in prayer on behalf of the orphaned child. In response, God has brought hope and healing to thousands of children.
Every year since 2013, Hope Unlimited has joined Christians worldwide–all 50 states and 52 countries–to observe Orphan Sunday… and celebrate adoption, fostering, and orphan care that reveals God’s heart. For the 30 days leading up to Orphan Sunday, prayer is the focus. Send an email to info@hopeunlimited.org asking to receive this year’s 30 Days of Prayer for Hope emails.
Of course, you can pray any time—on your own or with your family—but why not organize a prayer group … or get your friends or church involved to help you raise a united voice for orphans? Why not plan an Orphan Sunday event for next year?
What are YOU going to do about it?
