Today was an emotional day at church. Our preacher shared a lesson that encouraged our entire congregation to give and think outside of ourselves in a way we’ve never done before. He shared a short, moving clip from Schindler’s List, where the following quote was shared:
“If you save one person, you save the world entire.”
Unbeknownst to my family (who have collectively, in addition to several others, began the “One Day’s Difference” initiative through my sister’s efforts), our preacher encouraged our entire church to get involved in an unconventional way.
You see, the need in Zimbabwe is great. Nearly 1 in 4 children is orphaned due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Next time you see a group of 4 (or more) children, imagine one of those precious ones not having a Mom or Dad to love and care for them. Unlike other countries who freely receive aid from various humanitarian organizations, Zimbabwe receives very little due to the volatile political climate.
Of course, providing a “forever family” for these children would be ideal. But Zimbabwe adoption law currently makes it EXTREMELY difficult for anyone outside of the country to adopt these children (especially individuals of a different race). In fact, according to statistics only ONE Zimbabwean child has been adopted by a US citizen in the last 5 years. Yes, we need to enable the citizens of Zimbabwe to take these children under their wing and bring them into their family. But the need is far too great, especially for children who have HIV/AIDS. This orphanage would be a place mainly for these children to have a home and someone to meet their needs…even if it isn’t ideal.
Our church (and my family) have supported Nhowe Mission for the last 15+ years. The mission school was founded back in the 1950’s, but a hospital has since been built (which opened in 2002) and an orphan program established (which cares for 500+ orphans). The hospital was named in memory of my oldest brother Brian, who visited the hospital site with my dad and others just 8 months before being tragically killed in a car accident in 1997. The need continues to rise and God continues to open doors. Now, we’re hoping to build an orphanage, on the hospital grounds, to help care for the babies and toddlers (many who will have HIV/AIDS) who have no one to care for them.
Further into the sermon this morning, our preacher told yet another story of a man who was scheduled to speak at a women’s conference at a large church with over 1,000 women. At the conference, an announcement was made that there was a need for one of the missionaries who needed $5,000. Prior to speaking, the head spokeswoman asked this man to pray that God would meet their needs. Rather than amicably agreeing, this man refused. Instead, he said that God has already provided for the need…it was just their job to give. He then took out all the cash in his wallet (which happened to be only $2.25) and laid it on the table, asking every single person to do the same. When it was all said and done, $7,000 was raised…much more than the original $5,000 that was needed.
During the invitation at the end of the sermon, our preacher opened a basket at the pulpit and asked those who were willing to come forward and empty our wallets (something we have never done before) to build an orphanage in Zimbabwe. Tears were rolling down my face as I watched people I have loved (and who have loved me) nearly my entire life walk forward and empty their pockets into the basket.
Our small congregation of 300-400 people gave over $7,000 today. Seven-THOUSAND dollars. I am in awe.
Perhaps we can’t end world hunger entirely or provide a home for every orphan, but we can (and must) do something.
Join us next Sunday, November 4th and go without food for 24-hours, donating what you would have spent on food for the day to help us with our initiative. You can donate online here or you can mail in a check (to this address) to receive a tax-deductible receipt at the end of the year. Also join us on Facebook and confirm you are participating in the “One Day’s Difference” event.
Let’s see what a difference one day can make.
I first want to start by saying I love your blog and subscribe. I enjoy seeing your creativity and how I can translate that to my own kids and my preschool class. However, I was so saddened by this post. I understand your compassion for these kids. I too have a deep compassion for orphans. But building more orphanages is not the solution. Family is a solution. These kids don’t need a roof over their heads they need a family to connect to their soul and draw out their God given personality that is hidden deep within by having to survive to live. Orphanages are well intentioned but start looking at real statistics of what happens to these kids in the long run. The US got rid of orphanages for a reason. What churches need to promote is family as the solution. That is the longing of these kids hearts. That is our own longing- to have deep connections. God designed us that way- for connection. He invented adoption. He adopted us into his family. He is our model, our example. The church (us) need to spend the time it takes to educate and promote adoption of these abandoned kids. It takes education pastors here and internationally. It takes adoption- there and internationally. Look at Rwanda, Africa. It’s slowing understanding and trying to rid it’s country of orphanages and finding homes for all it’s orphans. And they have almost a million (remember they were devastated by genocide). It’s a long process but a long term solution. We are spending time educating the government, training the pastors, and such. I personally have adopted a 4 year old orphan who spent his whole life in a orphanage. And the effects are huge. It is not a good place for our little ones. Sure they are fed and sheltered but they need the love of a mom and dad to tell them they are precious and special and tend to their needs just like any parent would comfort their own little ones. Imagine your own child in day care 24/7 and you will just touch the tip of the ice berg. I know many, many adoptive kids and their damage from orphanages. I have been to Rwanda and Kenya several times (5), I’ve seen the street kids, the orphans, and the orphanages. I have a deep passion to help just like you. But I know the long term solution isn’t building more orphanages. It’s taking the time to change the whole way of thinking and model God’s plan for us- adoption. I applaud your compassion and posting about the need for help for orphans!!
Of course, providing a “forever family” for these children would be ideal. But Zimbabwe adoption law currently makes it EXTREMELY difficult for anyone outside of the country to adopt these children (especially individuals of a different race). In fact, according to statistics only ONE Zimbabwean child has been adopted by a US citizen in the last 5 years. Yes, we need to enable the citizens of Zimbabwe to take these children under their wing and bring them into their family. But the need is far too great, especially for children who have HIV/AIDS. This orphanage would be a place mainly for these children to have a home and someone to meet their needs…even if it isn’t ideal.
And we are currently enabling Zimbabweans to care for orphans through our Zimbabwe Orphan Program initiative: http://www.zimbabweorphans.com/ Unfortunately, many of the medical needs are far too great for these families, so this would be a support to them.
Yes, a family is always the best solution. But in this situation, it is next to impossible. Rather than turning our backs because it can’t be done perfectly, we’re trying to do what we can to help in a VERY, VERY difficult situation.
I have adopted 2 children internationally and both lived in orphanages. Our oldest from the Philippines lived in an amazing orphange. Of course it was not what was best for him but they were so loving and he had a “mommy and daddy figure”, who were consistent and there for him regularly. He was VERY much loved and treated so. Our second son is from Vietnam. The orphanage was very clean, and all of hus needs were met even a hug and a kiss. There were issues with the orphanage that I struggle with but all in all it was a caring “home” for our son until we arrived. Not all orphanages are as heart breaking as we see in the news and hear stories about. I can honestly say I have a great appreciation for both orphanages, especially the one in the Philippines.
Orphanages are not the best solution, but if adoption is not available, orphanages do provide a roof over head, food in their bellies, and hopefully play time. And if we can support/build “good” ones, especially Christ centered ones, the children are much better off than living in the streets. We have a church in our city that builds orphanages in a country where adoption is not an option and oversees them to ensure the children are taken care/ treated the way children should be.
Hi Tristen
I agree with you regards to adoption and your post.
The main thrust of our work is keeping orphans in their communities.
This effort addresses a different age group 0-6 and an unmet need.
Thank you for your heart for children
Hi Jenae,
Your response was right on as regards our work.
It is the best solution, for those babies who are being abandoned right now because they have been unfortunate enough to be born with a disease.
http://www.zimbabweorphans.com