But. He's just one little boy.
And there are many, many more that need families. Too many to count. Over one hundred million. Imagine the population of Russia, which stands at roughly 143,000,000 people. There are more orphans world wide than there are people in Russia. Let that sink it.
When we first met Ryan, he just was existing. He walked with a shuffle, barely lifting his feet. In fact, I thought there was something wrong with his leg or hip. He had never run in a grassy backyard or kicked a soccer ball or run on the beach with sand in his toes or even wore shoes appropriate for running. He didn't appear to have a purpose, he was just there. He was missing the love of a family.
As you can see here -
And now - he's filled with so much joy! He laughs and squeals when he's happy, he smiles gigantic smiles that light up his face, hugs big bear hugs, gives sweet kisses and ... He runs. He RUNS! It might not seem like much to some but to witness him go from shuffling like a little old man to a streak of joy running all over the place makes my heart so happy!
On Orphan Sunday we encourage others to be the village for an orphan. Not everyone is called to adopt, but here are a few ways you can choose to be a part of the solution:
- working in orphan care ministry through mission trips and child/family sponsorship
- advocating for those that have no voice to friends and family and on social media
- coming along side and helping others who choose to adopt by praying for them
- offering heart felt emotional and financial support to adoptive families
- host an orphan through organizations such as New Horizons
We can all do something to change the world for the least of these.
Please take a few minutes to watch this video. It will change the way you look at the orphan crisis, through the eyes of Jesus.
James 1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress
