Every Gift Has a Story: Care for Orphans

The dictionary defines “orphan” as a child deprived by death of one or usually both parents. That definition can be expanded to include children who have been abandoned by their parents or whose parents are unable to care for them.

Poverty is a significant cause of adult deaths due to disease or violence and, thus, a direct cause of orphanhood for millions of children worldwide. These children are at increased risk of malnourishment, disease, violence, abuse, exploitation, and death. They are less likely to go to school, further entrenching them in a cycle of poverty even when they reach adulthood.

Oakseed’s ministry partners know this reality from firsthand experience. They minister in communities struggling to escape poverty and labor to bring practical support alongside the gospel proclamation. Several ministries specifically work to house and care for orphans, and many more work with vulnerable children in their communities.

The number of orphans in Myanmar continues to rise, with some children truly orphaned and others given up by parents desperate to keep their children alive amid deep poverty and the inability to provide even basic needs. Peggy arrived at Mustard Seed Orphanage at five years old after both of her parents passed away. She had no siblings and no one able to care for her at home, but at Mustard Seed, she enjoyed having many new brothers and sisters. She grew and thrived at Mustard Seed, surrounded by a family that loved her and consistently held out the gospel to her. Peggy had the opportunity to attend school and university through Mustard Seed’s private schools, enabling her to receive an education and pursue a vocation to support herself and her family as an adult. She loves singing gospel songs in church and has a heart for seeing the people of Myanmar come to faith in Christ.

Almost 40% of the population of Kenya are youths under the age of 15, and the child poverty rate is around 60%. Education is crucial to help combat poverty and raise the next generation of church leaders and members. Juliet’s parents passed away when she was only three years old, and she was left abandoned in an urban rental home at this young age. An elderly neighbor rescued her from this situation but could not care for her. This neighbor contacted Reformed Heart Orphans Center , asking if they could take her in. Since coming to RHOC, Juliet has thrived. She began high school earlier this year. She made a profession of faith, was baptized last year, and is active in her local church.