Friday, June 06, 2008

Can I retract my last post?

Child Poverty in Africa - the facts (taken from http://www.fightpoverty.mmbrico.com/facts/africa.html)

200,000 child slaves are sold every year in Africa. There are an estimated 8,000 girl-slaves in West Africa alone. (sources: BBC 5 October, 2001 & Anti-Slavery Society)

About 120,000 African children are participating in armed conflicts. Some are as young as 7 years old. (source: Africa Children's Charter)

Children account for half of all civilian casualties in wars in Africa. (source: Africa 2015)

One in six African children dies before the age of five. Most of these deaths could be prevented. (source: Africa 2015)

Nearly one third of children in Sub-Saharan Africa are underweight. (source: UNICEF)

In sub-Saharan Africa, measles takes the life of a child nearly every minute of every day. An effective measles vaccine costs as little as $1 per child. (source: UNICEF)

Between 12 and 14 million African children have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS. (source: World Bank/UNICEF)

Nearly 2 million children under 14 years old are HIV positive. (source: UNICEF)

43% of children in Sub-Saharan Africa do not have safe, accessible drinking water. (source: UNICEF)

64% of children in Sub-Saharan Africa do not have adequate sanitation. (source: UNICEF)

Only 57% of African children are enrolled in primary education, and one in three of those does not complete school. (source: Africa 2015)

For every 100 boys there are only 83 girls enrolled at primary school. (source: World Bank/UNICEF)

If this was your child wouldn't you scream for justice?!




I close my eyes.


I see children. They are hungry. Their bodies have no strength. Though they ache and wail... there is no longer any sound but a whimper, there is nothing left to give.



They are alone.


There is no touch. Their tears and cries of fear and pain go unanswered. There is no breast to nourish. No hand to stroke their face while they drink. When they reach in the dark there is no strong arm of comfort.



They thirst.


No rain comes. Swollen tongues, dry and parched in tiny mouthes not yet able to utter words for help.



They lack.


Young men sit all day with no ambition to work or try. There are no men to teach them. They have all been killed. Aids, war and famine.



They are lost.


Who will show them Jesus. Don't tell them he loves them. Show them. Sacrifice. Don't tell them you understand.



They are vulnerable.


A child is sold. She is raped. Or worse.



Why isn't God providing for and protecting these children?



He is.



He is providing an abundance to millions of us.



James 1:27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."







I see no adoption in my future. But my God is a God of miracles. I cannot adopt right now. But I can give out of my abundance. $5.00 from each of my wraps sold at the market this year will go to help Gwen and Usko (sorry I have no clue how to spell your name) bring home their children... God is faithful to provide.




4 comments:

Jenny said...

This post brought me to tears Sirena! Like you, I feel deeply for the injustice, and like you, adoption is not in our future.
That is why it is SOOO important for all of us to rally around this beautiful family and give whatever we can give...whether it is money, prayer, hugs,love and support. It is our duty to help them!!

Gwen said...

Wow, Sirena, I'm overwhelmed. At about 9:00 last night I was sitting on my couch worrying about the money. God said to me, clear as anything, "Well, have you asked Me lately to provide?"
I sheepishly said, "Well, ummm... no, I guess I haven't. I'm sorry. Can you please take care of this for me, Dad?"

And here you are. Thank you, thank you, thank you. May God reward you!

Charlene said...

How wonderful! Love you Sirena!

Christy said...

Oh my! So sad! I can't wait to celebrate with Gwen and Usko when they bring those's babies home!