GO! Musings | What’s best for a child…

As I reflect on 2018, I consider the extensive effort made in the field this year and all the travel that was required to accomplish this. I have traveled extensively over the years, but 2018 was especially busy with visits to India, Nepal, and Zambia. Travel takes time and money, but also puts me in situations to better understand the challenges for the orphaned child. As I have spent time with the children and have witnessed first-hand some of the hardships they experience in their lives, my thinking as changed a bit over time.

I have not become anti-adoption nor anti-orphanage, but rather I am more radically pro-love since starting this ministry to serve orphaned children. What we have done together at House of Faith and the House of Hope is truly remarkable, and a huge blessing to the children that live there. However, home-based care at one of our orphanages is the extreme for these children. What I have seen is that orphaned children can be served while remaining with extended family. Only in extreme cases where this is not possible is the orphanage the best option.

What I also realized is that orphanages take many shapes and sizes. While we refer to HOFO & HOFO as orphanages, what we really have is a development of homes where the child is cared for in a family environment and where some of the facilities are shared among the families. I do believe that this is the best option for children that live in an orphanage setting and offers the best hope for their future. Unfortunately, this level of care is also the most expensive level of care we can provide a child. In addition, HOFO and HOHO are in remote places to keep the children nearby their extended families. This also drives up the costs of care. The children are experiencing faith, hope, and love for the very first time, and their lives are forever changed, making the investment worth every penny.

What I see as the best opportunity to provide maximum impact for orphaned children is education. So many of these children are left behind because their care takers do not have the resources to send these additional children to school, which can be the most expensive aspect of their care. In November 2018 we have 528 orphaned children attending school based on the generosity of many of you. To continue and grow this program in 2019 we’ll finish the year with 558 children enrolled in the program. This program will require $81,800 if we allow for this level of enrollment, but this will impact 8.5x more children that we have in our home-based program in Zambia with 65 children for nearly the same total costs.

You have heard it before, the children are our future, and this is true today in DR Congo, Kenya, Nepal, South Sudan, and Zambia. Join us in changing the next generation in these far-away places for the better with a small monthly donation that will keep or send a child to school.

You may send support or other correspondence to Global Orphan Relief, 16352 Prairie Farm Cir, Parker, CO 80134 as well, or you may give also give electronically at https://globalorphanrelief.org/donate-support/ .

Movement of FAITH | Voice of HOPE | Act of LOVE

Global Orphan Relief is a Christian relief agency serving Orphans in need and a recognized U.S. public charity, tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3). All donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law.