This past week was another big answer to prayer! I received permission to volunteer in the orphan housing! Until now I’ve been going each week with other volunteers but now I have permission to go on my own.
It really breaks my heart to have to go and then leave. Two of the kids tonight were playing a game with me, and I had my coat on (because I was cold) and they said oh, are you leaving? –no. Is your friend leaving? –no. How long will you stay? –for a while. Until tomorrow!? –:( no.
These are the ones who were left or taken and now they find themselves stuck–stuck because of their parents choices, stuck because of bureaucracy, stuck because of the older kids’ abuse, stuck because of satan’s lies….the biggest lie is that they are unchosen.
But we know the truth. They have been chosen, by God, for his compassion, grace and mercy. These children are so loved by God, they are set aside with a purpose, they have value in His eyes, and yet so many will never know that love or that purpose or value.
This week when I went to the home, I was joined by a group of others from a local prayer group…we all go to different churches, from different backgrounds, but united in this hope–to show the love of Christ to these kids. We sang songs, gave hugs, prayed with them, laughed with them, got to know them a bit more and of course surprised them with some treats. They blessed us too–when at one point they began to sing “Anchor” by Hillsong. The words echo from a deep chasm in their souls, which can only be reached by a deep and strong anchor. These children, so unsure of their future, sang about God standing unshakable in their life…..if that doesn’t move you to compassion for them, then ask God to move in your heart, to awaken you. Is our faith truly anchored by Christ?
So I wonder. How does God want us to love these children? How can we be Christ to them, how can we share Christ with them? Christ himself prayed about us in John 17:15 that we would not be taken out of the world but that we would be protected from the evil one…and yet I hope with my whole being for each of these kids to be taken out of the situation they find themselves in. So how can we encourage them while they remain in this reality? How can the Spirit show them that their life is not worthless, is not forgotten, is not abandoned by Christ?
God, open my eyes, open our eyes….teach us to love the orphan, to love the ones unchosen. Help us to teach them about your redeeming power, your love for them, your purpose for them. Let us be your arms to hold them, to embrace them and love them. Let us be your quiet and comforting, strengthening and encouraging voice. Let us speak truth with love. Let us hurt with them, cry with them and rejoice with them. Do not let our eyes be blinded to their trials. Let us not cover over their struggle with a shallow word, but let us be willing to go to the very depth of their heart to walk with them into your glory. God, open their hearts to you. Do the work that only you can do. Help them to hunger and search for you, and do not hide yourself from them. God show us how to love.
Anchor
I have this hope
As an anchor for my soul
Through every storm
I will hold to You
With endless love
All my fear is swept away
In everything
I will trust in You
There is hope in the promise of the cross
You gave everything to save the world You love
And this hope is an anchor for my soul
Our God will stand
Unshakeable
Unchanging One
You who was and is to come
Your promise sure
You will not let go
Your Name is higher
Your Name is greater
All my hope is in You
Your word unfailing
Your promise unshaken
All my hope is in You
(Listen to the song Anchor HERE!)
-Blog excerpt from IM Staff Alissa Foreman, working in Romania. Here is her blog and original post.
