Orphan Ministry

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this; to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

These words have recently taken on new meaning as we welcome June Yuan Thorpe into our family.

My heart is overwhelmed with love for this precious little girl! 

Until last year when Rebecca and Steve actually started on the long journey of adoption I had not thought, much to my shame, seriously about the plight of so many orphans and God's directive for believers to do something about it! Why has not the church, (believers in Jesus), stepped up to the plate? How can those wanting to adopt connect with the children who want a family? Is it because of lack of funds? Couldn't believers pitch in here? Is it because of lack of information?  Couldn't believers learn more and educate? Is it because of lack of prayer? Couldn't believers intercede for these precious ones?

So many questions! The mountain seems tall but God is "taller"! He wants all believers to be involved so the question for me is How, God? I have recently begun to investigate churches with active orphan ministries in areas where I live or where I will be traveling to visit. He has planted a seed in my heart and I want to water it and see how He will allow it to grow for His glory.

I challenge each one of you to reread James 1:27 and see if it speaks to your heart. Maybe you can be involved in an answer to some orphans "prayers"!