This morning ABBA Fund, Carolines Promise, and Weaving Families sponsored a breakfast for pastors and ministry leaders on orphan care and adoption. It was a joy to do this together as three ministries working towards a similar cause and hope to do more together down the road.
We had a local pastor share his story of adopting two boys from Ethiopia and how God provided financial assistance through Caroline’s Promise. We also had a local church share their experience starting an orphan and adoption ministry.
For the main part of the hour Tom Davis, President of Children’s Hope Chest and author of Fields of the Fatherless, spoke on God’s heart for the orphan. Through his own experience, scripture, and what he sees going on in the church today Tom challenged us with God’s special care for the orphans and the fact that He has called His church to be the incarnate presence of Christ towards them today. He spoke about Barna’s research into the current state of the church today and how so many young people are giving up on traditional forms of church because they are not finding what they read in Scripture being lived out in their churches. Instead folks are turning to online communities to connect with fellow believers who share similar passions for the poor and orphaned. He quoted Amos 5:21-24 -
“I can’t stand your religious meetings. I’m fed up with your conferences and conventions. I want nothing to do with your religion projects, your pretentious slogans and goals. I’m sick of your fund-raising schemes, your public relations and image making. I’ve had all I can take of your noisy ego-music. When was the last time you sang to me? Do you know what I want? I want justice—oceans of it. I want fairness—rivers of it.”
He then went on to quote Matthew 25:31-40, pointing out this is Jesus’ description of what will happen when we stand before him in eternity and he separates the sheep and the goats.
“Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you? And the King will answer them, Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me” (Matt 25:37-40)
He ended by encouraging all those present who are people of influence in their churches and communities to not settle for neutrality (which he noted, fuels oppression and can be defined as evil itself) but to mobilize God’s people to live for justice and Jesus glory.
I was reminded afresh that this is indeed at the core of what we are called too. And, what an incredible mystery and joy to actually care for Jesus through our care for the orphans and poor of the world. God is at work in this world bringing His kingdom and we have the privilege of being His instruments! What better thing is there to wake up in the morning too?
