My Eyes Were Opened

Until I was shown the plight of the orphan around the world, I was never really aware of the realities these children face.  It is said, "Ignorance is bliss," and there is some truth to this saying; but I will attest that knowledge is power and will effectively change the lives of others.  We are taught to follow Christ's example and live His teachings.  Christ has taught us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and afflicted.  This charge has had new meaning to me the past few months as my eyes were opened to the suffering of the orphan.

These are some of the things I have learned the past few months:

• In the Ukraine, when the orphan turns 16, they "age out" and they are given a meager amount of money and kicked out of the safety of the orphanage and are released to be on their own.  They are now on their own with no training, no skills, and little to no education.  There are men (WOLVES!) who literally hang out outside of the orphanages waiting for newly released young women to coerce into human trafficking, a sex slave.  Can you imagine the girl's desperation as she is fearful at the reality of not being able to provide for herself?  Every country has an age where the child "ages out."
• Orphan children in many countries, when they turn 5 or 6 are sent to adult mental institutions to live.  Can you imagine those kind of living conditions?  Can you imagine the plight of the special needs child who need extra care, attention and medication?
• And then there is the abuse, neglect and deprivation abounding in many of the orphanages.  The real-life footage I've seen, especially of the orphanages in Eastern Europe (Ukraine, Bulgaria, etc.) would make any strong person weep.  In many instances in these countries, the children (especially special needs children) are treated like animals.  Unbelievable circumstances!
• And some orphanages, like the ones in Africa, simply just don't have the funds and resources to give the children all the nutrition and basic necessities they need.  It's not that they don't care, they just don't have the means.

I didn't share this information to depress you, but rather to encourage you to open your eyes and heart and join me in praying and helping these helpless children of God. (There are many ways to help- prayers, educating ourselves, and if so blessed, giving monetarily.  Some of us will be "called" to rescue them through adoption.  Pray about what the Lord wants YOU to do to help.)  There are great blessings attached when we follow Christ.   

One person can make a difference, but many can make a change!