Last night the evil orphans I know haunted me. Four years ago I spent 3 months ministering to orphans in the street and orphans in a group home. Orphans are not angels; orphans are evil to the core. There was no hiding the gambling, drugs, fighting or stealing. They are selfish, lazy, have no respect for authority, and will manipulate every system for personal gain. No child can raise himself to be an upright, respecting, productive citizen. The orphan is destined to destruction.
Those wicked orphans are defenseless. I saw 40 boys that live on the streets of Bungoma, Kenya, but no girls-because they are repeatedly raped. There is no physical refuge for a 10 year old kid who sleeps on a store's porch. Unguarded from disease, without access to medicine, their health is precarious. The orphan in the picture, Suleimun, has a big belly, with tiny arms and legs: he has “kwashiorkor.” He is starving from a lack of protein in his diet. Without a protector and provider, an orphan is destined to fall prey to predators perpetually. The orphan is destined to destruction.
Jesus, who is rich in mercy, promised not to leave us as orphans. As a spiritual orphan I am bent on self-annihilation as I live exposed to him who prowls around like a lion, and trying to devour me. There is no happy ending for the orphan. The only chance at vitality is being adopted- becoming a son or daughter. This is our hope in Christ, his plan all along. We, who were destined for destruction, were adopted (through great sacrifice) and are now sons and daughters. "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should become children of God! And that is what we are!" (1Jh3).
Those wicked orphans are defenseless. I saw 40 boys that live on the streets of Bungoma, Kenya, but no girls-because they are repeatedly raped. There is no physical refuge for a 10 year old kid who sleeps on a store's porch. Unguarded from disease, without access to medicine, their health is precarious. The orphan in the picture, Suleimun, has a big belly, with tiny arms and legs: he has “kwashiorkor.” He is starving from a lack of protein in his diet. Without a protector and provider, an orphan is destined to fall prey to predators perpetually. The orphan is destined to destruction.
Jesus, who is rich in mercy, promised not to leave us as orphans. As a spiritual orphan I am bent on self-annihilation as I live exposed to him who prowls around like a lion, and trying to devour me. There is no happy ending for the orphan. The only chance at vitality is being adopted- becoming a son or daughter. This is our hope in Christ, his plan all along. We, who were destined for destruction, were adopted (through great sacrifice) and are now sons and daughters. "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should become children of God! And that is what we are!" (1Jh3).
One day James and I will adopt an evil orphan (hopefully multiple). The thought hit me this week: my child may already be alive. I made a peanut butter sandwich for James- will my child go hungry today? Will my vulnerable child be abused today? Today, who will teach my child self-control and self-sacrifice? Does my child know someone wants him alive? That he is cared for?
One day an evil orphan will join the Cable family. A son (or daughter), who belongs. His destiny will change. He will be a child of James and Angelica, not left to his own self-destructive devices, not left vulnerable to predators. He doesn't know it yet, but he will be taught, he will endure discipline, he will be hugged and loved. Because that's what pleases us.
One day an evil orphan will join the Cable family. A son (or daughter), who belongs. His destiny will change. He will be a child of James and Angelica, not left to his own self-destructive devices, not left vulnerable to predators. He doesn't know it yet, but he will be taught, he will endure discipline, he will be hugged and loved. Because that's what pleases us.
Orphans are not just numbers (146 million). They are not just charity. They are not just burdens. A few of those orphans are my future children. That haunts me. For now my prayers have changed. Not only, "God give us wisdom for when and how," but also, "God give my kids food today. Protect them from dirty water and disease. Protect them from abuse. Let them know you love them; give them a love for you." For now orphans, but someday children destined for glory.
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. Ephesians 1:3-6.
Um. You are awesome.
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