This issue of World Orphans Insight is focused on humility. Our world doesn’t always value humility, but God’s Word certainly does, and Jesus’ life displayed it time and time again. Jesus spoke and acted in unexpected humility. The world was waiting for a king, and many had expectations for what that would look like, but Jesus had other ideas. He turned expectations upside down and showed us a better way:
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
As an organization, we believe we are called to put others first, to see beauty and value in all people, and to lift up and encourage those around us, particularly those in need who are undervalued. We believe this reflects the heart of Jesus and that he is seen when we love like he loved. As individual followers of Christ, we believe we are called to value others above ourselves, to consider others’ needs above our own, and to actively seek to serve others first, as Jesus did.
World Orphans values the church. We believe that the local church is uniquely positioned to know and understand their communities and to serve and love their neighbors. When US churches come alongside international church partners in friendship and support, amazing things happen. While financial support is one aspect of partnership, friendship is what matters most. As we connect partners, values of humility, reciprocity, and learning create true and genuine friendships. Our church partners become friends who deeply value each other, who visit and celebrate one another, who learn from each other, who cry and grieve together, who walk together in faith and humility.
Our expressed values for partnership speak to acting in humility and friendship. These values not only inform us, they shape and guide us:
EQUALITY OVER SUPERIORITY
True equality in partnerships allows each of the partners to function from a place of strength rather than of weakness. Each partner should feel that they have a role to play and a service to provide that benefits the partnership as a whole.
RECIPROCITY OVER CONTROL
True relationships are reciprocal, a constant give and take. It is vital in cross-cultural partnerships to understand that we all have types of poverty that need to be addressed, though those poverties may wear different masks. It is important to approach one another in a spirit of humility, recognizing that we are interdependent and in need of each other.
LEARNING OVER TEACHING
If we focus on the relationship, ask open-ended questions, and learn from our partner, we will often find that they will invite us in to see and understand their reality, including their joys and celebrations, as well as their sorrows and struggles.
When leaders, pastors, and church members love each other and their communities like this, the ripple effects are endless. Others see and learn and grow too. Communities are transformed. Hearts are healed. Jesus is seen and made known.
Many have walked this journey with us. You—our partners, friends, companions, and family—who choose to invest with us in cross-cultural ministry and friendship, are impacting communities, families, and especially children in the most meaningful way, with humility and the love of Jesus.
We are, as always, thankful for you and honored to serve in this incredible work the Lord has called us to. We hope you enjoy the stories and reflections that follow. As you read, look for the thread of humility. May we all have the courage to love as Jesus loves, with humility and grace.
“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8b).