In our fallen world, there are so many sources of sorrow and pain. Whether this pain is caused by our own fault, inflicted by others, a combination of both, or a series of circumstances that take place, hurting on the inside is something most of us have experienced over the years.
Perhaps no pain is as hard to see as that of a child. They lack the years and life experience that at least helps most adults to cope with the pain they experience. But to a young child, such trauma is completely mystifying. Growing up in a dysfunctional home as the victims of neglect and or abuse, many times the children wrongly think they are to blame for what is happening to them. They find themselves unwanted by their parents, or because of the abuse have to be removed from their homes by the authorities. These are the “social orphans” of which we often speak. Then you have real orphans who have lost both parents. They struggle to understand why. Because of the pain, they develop hardened attitudes and negative, disruptive behaviors. On leaving the orphanage when they reach legal adulthood, many fall into crime and substance abuse. They don’t have any inkling on how to live life on the outside.
Into this dark, traumatic situation, SGA-supported Orphans Reborn workers step in with the love of Jesus Christ and the hope of the Gospel.
When the teams first begin their ministries, or new children come into the orphanages where ministry has been taking place, the orphans are wary. Orphans’ experiences with people they loved and trusted have made them that way.
But over time as they receive the love, care, and time spent with them, they begin to warm up and open up. They learn more about the Lord, and see His mercy, love, and grace modeled before them. Above all, these neediest of children learn that the Lord loves each one of them, and wants to have a relationship with them. They learn that He gave His life for their sin, and that they can be forgiven through repentance and faith in Christ. On receiving Christ, their lives and hearts are forever changed, and they want to pass on what they have received. Thank you for being part of this wonderful chain of God’s grace!
For our Savior,
Michael Johnson
President