ANSWER: A few thoughts on this... Our church has helped promote child/orphan sponsorship through both Compassion International and Vision Trust ministries. Both of these help link orphans in poverty-stricken nations with sponsor/donors who are able to help financially. At right is a picture of Ursulla, a young girl that our family has started to sponsor this year. A sponsorship helps provide food, clothing, medicine, and schooling... Just a wonderful, powerful opportunity to impact a precious young life.
We selected Ursulla because she lives near Bangui (in the Central African Republic) and because she is about the same age as our daughter, Allie. If you click on Ursulla's profile, you can read a description of her life and situation.
While in Africa, I will get to see and meet orphans. I will meet leaders connected with an orphan school that our church is sponsoring with "Sakpa" Church near Bangui.
Today, I have also connected with people that may help me get to actually meet Ursulla, our sponsored "daughter" in Bangui. Our daughter Allie has already set out clothing and other things she would like me to give her. While I don't know exactly if or when I'll meet her, or what I will take for her...
I do wonder what it will be like to meet a child like this.
I talked with Lisa from Vision Trust. Just a few weeks ago, she met her sponsored child in the Dominican Republic. She helped me think through what could happen in that meeting. Would Ursulla be too afraid to interact? Would her mother or other family members be blessed by a gift that I could bring? Would I be shocked to see that she is far smaller than the average 4-5 year olds that I see here in Ohio? Will I be overcome with all sorts of emotions, compassion, hope, desire to rescue... you name it?
I have no idea.
I do know that it would be a powerful moment. I hope God allows it to happen. Helping orphans is a priority to our church, our missions team and strategy, and - without a doubt - close to the heart of God.
If nothing else, I pray that God will fill me with even more love and compassion for children and families in need...
Dear Gary,
ReplyDeleteI do believe it will be possible and it will be a great experience...she will be very shy meeting a white man...often times children are afraid because parents will talk about the "Mbunzu" coming to eat you if you do not behave.
Take her on your lap..smile and hand her a piece of candy and she will open up a bit...it will take time and some of them are just so afraid. I never cease to be amazed at how happy they are as children in the difficult circumstances they live in.
God bless.