Orphan Sunday

Today is Orphan Sunday, a day to shed some light on the orphan crisis all over the world. It is estimated that there are currently 143-210 million orphans worldwide (UNICEF). That number is unreal to me. In the United States there are approximately 400,500 children in the foster care system- 115,000 of them are eligible for adoption. 

Many churches and organizations use this day to teach others about the statistics surrounding orphans and also to teach others how to get involved. We were so blessed that our church in South Carolina talked about this more then just one Sunday a year.

 As Christians we are called to "Defend the cause of the fatherless" (Isaiah1:17). Orphan Sunday is led by the Christian Alliance for Orphans, "a national coalition of organizations and churches committed to the Gospel and the orphan" (www.orphansunday.org). 

Like I mentioned yesterday, not everyone is called to adopt, but everyone is called to action in some way. Here are a couple of non-adoption resources to help you to get involved in orphan care:

- Orphan Galaxy: The number of orphans can be incredibly overwhelming. How can one person make any sort of difference in a problem that is so big? This is where orphan galaxy comes in, you can be a star that helps build the galaxy. This organization provides scholarships for adoption of older or difficult to place children, provides training to orphans who age-out and leave orphanages, provides aid for orphans, rescues orphans for trafficking, and sponsors tours to the US of older kids to raise adoption awareness. If you would like to learn more about getting involved with this organization go to: www.nightlight.org/orphan-galaxy/

- The Forgotten Initiative: If you are more interested in tangible work within your community you should check out this awesome foster care organization. They work with the foster care system to learn their needs, share those needs with local churches, and equip the church to meet those needs. Some examples are providing parents nights out for foster parents, packing emergency overnight bags for children being brought into care, organize meals for foster parents, and fix up their facilities. Check out their website to see if there is a branch in your community. If there isn't and you want to get involved, start one!  www.theforgotteninitiative.org

In the car on our way home with one less orphan almost 3 years ago! 

"Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation." 

-Psalm68:5