He is a Father to the Fatherless...

Currently I am getting ready for my 15 months in Brazil! There is so much to do before I leave and so many precious people to see and spend time with. I am very excited about this adventure the Lord is leading me in. I am stepping out in faith. I am taking a risk that is very scary at times, but I know He is with me.

Just this afternoon the Lord has been confirming even more that working with street children and orphans is what He desires me to do....

I randomly flipped on the TV today and turned right to a documentary on street children in Peru. As I was watching the documentary, my heart broke as I listened to the stories of the children who sleep on the streets night after night. The documentary also showed interviews of these kids sharing their hopes, dreams, sorrows, and fears. The things they said struck my heart and were hard to listen to. The children in this documentary have experienced much pain and abuse living on the streets.

I was really struck by one 18 year old young man who was interviewed. He has been living on the streets since he was 6 years old and has been through much pain and sorrow as a result of being abandoned by his parents.

During the interview he was asked the question, "If you could say anything to your parents, what would you say?" He simply responded, "I want to see you, and get to know you, and know how you are doing." The pain and loneliness in his eyes was heart breaking. The longing for a mother and a father was so apparent.

Still....at 18 years old. All this young man wants is to know his mother and father. To be with them, to talk with them, to be LOVED by them. In his face you could see such a longing for LOVE and a longing to BELONG to a family.

Imagine your child or yourself as a child. You have no home. No parents. No warm bed to sleep in at night. No appropriate clothing or shoes to cover you. Little food. No protection. No safety. No comfort. No tangible love. Fear crowds around on every side. Life is about survival. That is reality to millions of street children all over the world.

But Jesus comes and HE GIVES....... to these precious ones.
He is a Father to the Fatherless.
He heals their hearts and holds them safely in His arms.
He puts clothes on their bodies.
He puts food in their bellies.
He offers protection and safety from the storm.
He GIVES of Himself and LOVES....

I so humbled and privileged to partner with Jesus... and to be able to GO and LOVE these hurting ones.