Sometimes, I don't understand...
I work for a ministry that serves children in poverty all around the world. More than 800,000 children in 24 countries. It's an incredible ministry, and I love what I do.
But sometimes, it's hard. Despite all that we do, children in our program still die. Every week, all the employees are given a prayer guide. We pray for our staff overseas, and those who sponsor our children. And every week, on the back of this small brochure, is a list of children who died in the past week.
Vitoria.
Juan.
Carlos.
Jenifer.
Andrea.
Statistically, it's a small number. But they're not a number. They're children. Children shouldn't die. But they do. Every single day, 30,000 children under the age of 5 die. And each week, I see the names of a dozen or so of them. And a lump forms in my throat. And I know that for every ten I see on the list, there are hundreds of thousands who are making it--who are overcoming this poverty that tries to crush them.
But until the day when all of God's children are safe, I will mourn.
But sometimes, it's hard. Despite all that we do, children in our program still die. Every week, all the employees are given a prayer guide. We pray for our staff overseas, and those who sponsor our children. And every week, on the back of this small brochure, is a list of children who died in the past week.
Vitoria.
Juan.
Carlos.
Jenifer.
Andrea.
Statistically, it's a small number. But they're not a number. They're children. Children shouldn't die. But they do. Every single day, 30,000 children under the age of 5 die. And each week, I see the names of a dozen or so of them. And a lump forms in my throat. And I know that for every ten I see on the list, there are hundreds of thousands who are making it--who are overcoming this poverty that tries to crush them.
But until the day when all of God's children are safe, I will mourn.
posted by Brandy at 2/06/2007 08:38:00 PM
2 Comments:
We all go through times like that, of course. And, then, one day, we're inspired, motivated, verbose, even. Then it feels good, and not like work.
It is difficult sometimes. The only thing we can trust is that God is all powerful, all knowing, and in all places. He sees and heals many hurts that we can't even imagine have an answer.
I know that sounds so trite, but it's so true. I had to finally come to the realization on the mission field that I couldn't "cure" poverty and hurting, but that God could handle the things that my heart ached to take care of.
Pray that He will heal your hurting and help you to see that your work is helping others to gain more insight. The poor will always be with us--God's word tells us so--but the more we awaken others to that reality, the more hope some will have.
Love you--you're doing a great job!
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