World Orphans

I am passionate about orphans. Like no other that I know.  And I believe it is the church's responsibility - Christians' responsibility to care for the orphan. There are currently 143 Million orphans worldwide. This number used to overwhelm me...I can't adopt them all! And after a recent trip to Ethiopia, having interacted with a tiny portion of the 5 Million orphaned children of this country less than twice the size of Texas, I realize I will never be able to get these faces of the fatherless out of my mind. So I must do something. But what? How can I even make a dent? It's a thought that used to render me helpless...wanting to crawl into the fetal position! But not today. Today I have hope. I found that hope in an organization called World Orphans. I am so passionate about their unique strategy to partner western churches with indigenous churches to reach orphans...that I took the idea to my own church. Now Pantego Bible Church partners with Hale Keywet Woliso Church, which you will see in the video below. I also hope to one day work for World Orphans full time as an orphan advocate.

Why partner western churches with indigenouse churches?

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. Indigenous churches are the most strategically positioned for the task. Each church in the developing world has the opportunity to reach each child and impact each community.

(The indigenous church is the one best suited to care for the orphans in their community. Often times they have the heart, but not the resources. That's where we - the western church - come in.)

SPIRITUAL CARE AND GROWTH. The children are raised by church families. They see and encounter the daily activities of the church and its members. They are fully incorporated into the church community and they hear the message of salvation.

(Orphaned children are be raised up by the local church to become the future Godly leaders of their communities, their nations, their world.)

SOCIETAL INTEGRATION. Children are not removed from their community of origin. Instead they remain in constant contact with neighbors and peers.

(Unlike the traditional orphan care model or large orphanages in remote areas, these children are given a 'forever family' per say...their church family. A community that will always be there to love, help and guide them. A place they can always come home.)

CHURCH EXPOSURE AND STRENGTHENING. The surrounding community of the church sees the local church caring daily for the children. The church receives increased goodwill and witnessing opportunities as a result.

(Have you ever wondered why God considers caring for the orphan as "pure and faultless religion"? I believe it is because orphans cannot do anything for you in return. It's hard for us to understand in America, the Land of Plenty. But it indigenous ares, where resources are scarce, the taking in of local orphans by the local church can preach the gospel...even without words. As a result...God is glorified.)