By Phyllis M. LaBranche | Country Director in Ethiopia
The capital city in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, is experiencing an incredible economic boom and changing daily. Development, new businesses, and construction can be seen everywhere. Many good things are happening all around the city.
But still there are many who are very poor and struggling. Many children are without families, wandering the streets, trying to survive. And they beg. Just the other day such a child approached me. She was tattered, dirty, hungry, and desperate. Giving into begging is generally not a good thing to do. But this child pierced my heart as my eyes beheld her harsh reality. Then I saw a woman nearby sitting on the sidewalk with a small child and nursing two babies, twins I suspect. As I looked around, I saw all who were begging and poor. My heart welled with compassion. How can I say no and turn away? Determined to do something, I purchased bread and bananas for the mother and insisted she was to share with all of the children. The child who pierced my heart ate immediately. She was very hungry.
At that moment, I knew in my soul we are right where we are supposed to be—living among the poor of the world, to reach out and care for little ones such as these.
In Mark 10:14 Jesus said:
“Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it at all.”
World Orphans supports local churches to develop rescue and care programs for orphans within their communities through church-to-church partnerships. Individuals who are interested in joining our efforts can become Rescue Partners.
Together we will bring destitute children to Jesus to be adopted into the family of God where they will be cared for, protected, and loved by others. And in so doing, we will expand the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven. And that, my friends, is so much more than bread and bananas.