To Love the Least of These

As life goes on for us I'm noticing more clearly how big the orphan crisis is in this world.  It started in high school when Jen and I did missions work with orphans living at an AIDS camp in Nassau.  Their desperate cry for a family was so apparent that they called us "mom" and "dad".  We tragically lost contact with the children, they were aged out of the orphanage into who knows were, their picture is still up in our house.  They will forever be a strong reminder of how much the least of these need us.  

Since that time we have been constantly inspired to stay involved in orphan care through incredible organizations like Show Hope, Love146, International Justice Mission, and Watoto.  It was no surprise to our family and close friends when we pursued adoption ourselves.

Being in Congo gave me my biggest taste of the orphan crisis yet.  The images I saw at two of the orphanages there will forever be burned into my mind.  Seeing the children lined up against the wall in the dark room we were sitting as they stared back at me with such a lifeless gaze was uncomfortable to say the least.  I still wonder how much love and time it would take to bring those children back to life.  The power of a family is immense, and I encourage all who are reading this to realize how much you have needed being a part of a family.

Going through the adoption process was exciting in many ways for us.  Seeing how so many strangers responded to our story and supported us through our fund raising efforts.  We raised a ton of money, and we are all so thankful for those who were a part of that.  It helped remind us how big of a task we were called to do.  We are still reminded even today how big of a task this is.  Aside from living life with an adopted child, we have met many people who are themselves in the process of adopting.  We even spent time Skype-ing with a couple last night who are starting the process of adoption.  To see the energy they had for this was great, and we are looking forward to seeing where adoption takes them.

Adoption is the medicine that an orphan needs to be made well.  We know this to be true from our own experience with Agape (it's a rough process, but it is working).  Our desire has always been that God would use our story to inspire others to be involved with caring for orphans as well.  He is also using so many other families in the same way.

We've been listening to a song that describes my thoughts on this well.  The band Audio Adrenaline, back from an almost seven year hiatus, has returned with a new lead singer and a new album being released next month.  Audio Adrenaline founded an orphanage in Haiti named "The Hands and Feet Project" inspired from one of their biggest hit songs "Hands and Feet".  Even though the band holds only one original member it still carries the original passion for mission work, and more specifically orphan ministry.  The album has not been released yet, but you can stream it online once if you pre-buy it.  I can tell you for sure that you will enjoy it immensely.  For fans of Christian music from the 90's, the new lead singer is Kevin Max of dcTalk.  He has returned to the scene shedding his bad boy image while keeping the edgy sound his unique voice holds.  Below am sharing the music video for the single Kings & Queens.  A new favorite of mine.  Welcome back kmax.