This is what I call a Vision: A World Without Orphans

 

Have you ever had a daunting, impossible vision - but strive for it anyway? How's this for the name of an international Christian organization: "World without Orphans"? The vision is right in their name! 

A couple of updates ago, I mentioned I was going to a global conference of Christian organizations and charities working with orphans and vulnerable children. It was put on by World Without Orphans, whose vision is "pursuing a world where every child is cared for in a safe and loving family, knows their Heavenly Father, and reaches their God-given potential." It aligns perfectly with the vision of Villages of Hope Africa that "all children are loved and cared for." (Not to mention, I loved their stage backdrop that illuminated HOPE!)

In 2019, the best estimates show there are between 2 to 8 million children living in orphanages around the world, and more than 150 children who have lost one or both parents. It's a startling reality and charities like VOHA are committed to do something to change it.

What a powerful conference!!! Over 500 participants attended from 63 countries around the world.

Together, we attended inspiring general sessions and a multitude of specialized workshops. WWO's approach is anchored on 4 pillars: Collaboration, Intervention, Prevention and Living Refreshed. The forum was designed to strengthen these pillars in our own lives, our ministries and the cultures in which we serve.

The most enlightening workshop I attended was one led by "Hope and Homes for Children" an international organization based in Rwanda, who is committed to deinstitutionalize children with disabilities from institutions and orphanages into families and family-based alternative care.

We did an exercise where we had to "select" which child we would adopt if given the chance. I thought everyone would select the bright young girl with no physical, mental or social issues. I was surprised to see every child, regardless of their age, gender, physical or mental condition and more, was selected. It broke the myth that only certain children are wanted. There is opportunity for children of all ages, abilities and needs to be cared for by their families, extended families or adoption.  

What was even more amazing is that I learned representatives from the Tanzanian Government had just visited Rwanda to learn more a few weeks ago and are very committed to helping children with disabilities here.

It excited me to think of the potential of partnering with our  local government to see how we can serve the children living with disabilities in some of our children's home at VOH Tanzania so we can continue to support them even more. 

The takeaways are too numerous to mention, many of which are familiar but we often need reminding. A few key ones:

• Children are often in crisis situations not because their families don’t care, but because their families need support to help care for their children.
• Prevention is always better than waiting for a crisis, like malnutrition, requiring children to be “rescued.”
• Supporting and empowering the widows and caregivers, not the children only, is essential to make lasting change for the child, family and community.
• Economic security for families, needs to include men, not just women.
• Moving from residential care to holistic community-based care is possible if key stakeholders are willing and collaboration happens.

The closing session on the Sunday morning was an impactful experience. It was a united time of reflection, prayer and commitment with several stations were set up to quietly visit individually including: lighting a candle of prayer for countries, expression through art, communion, journaling, repentance and 1-1 prayer. God moved in a powerful way in our hearts and as a united community committed to serving orphans around the world.

I'm grateful to have been a part of it and am excited to see what God does in and through the individuals who attended. Thank you for caring for the orphans and vulnerable children along with me.