Coming to Kenya, I was expecting to get to know orphans. I never expected to have my heart completely broken for these children.

One day, three of the other interns and I led vacation Bible school for the 22 kids who live in the Buckner home. Our memory verse was Phillipians 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” 

She said it was 2 Corinthians 5:18. She recited it saying, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord God Almighty.” To many, this verse would be inspirational but to her it had a different meaning. 

This girl does not have parents. She no longer has an earthly father. The Lord is the only father figure she has and it is comforting to her to know that she will always be His daughter and He will always love her. 

This broke my heart. I have never known life without my earthly parents. I see the Lord as my heavenly father, but her source of parental unconditional love comes from her Lord and Savior. 

This encounter increased my desire for the word of the Lord to be spread to orphans throughout the world. There are many who do not know their Father in heaven, which leaves them completely empty and devoid of parental love. 

It says in Psalm 68:5, “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” The Lord is sovereign and I know that he will take care of his children. I just hope and pray we can be the vessels to spread the wonderful news of the gospel of Christ Jesus across the world. 

Prayers for the Week:

- God, thank you that you are a father to the fatherless. Help us never forget to thank you for the many blessings you have showered on us.