Prayer: an effective way to engage

Dear Kidstown Friends,

When you hear the phrase, “helping orphans” what’s the first thing that comes to mind? If you’re like me, writing a check tops the list. We are conditioned to equate “helping” with financial support. Don’t get me wrong: supplying orphanages with finances so that shelter, food, clothing, and an education can be provided for the children is much needed and a valuable, effective way of engaging. Financial support is a good thing.

However, it’s not the only thing. Prayer is another facet of orphan ministry, one which has as much, if not more, potential to impact and change these young lives. Prayer is rooted in a belief that God can, and will, act on behalf of these kids. Prayer is an acknowledgment that God can do more for them than we can. Prayer takes orphan ministry to a whole new level as we join God in what He’s doing (and wants to do) for, in, and through these orphans.

I’m a dad. I have two biological kids: Nicole is 10, and Elliot is 7. God has blessed me with these two smart, likable children which have unlimited potential. As I think about them (and the 1,100 orphans which in a way are also my kids) I want the best for them. I want them to succeed, to be happy, and to have a good life. But there are three things which I desire even more for them.

First, that they KNOW God. I want all of my kids, biological and orphan, to have a face-to-face encounter with the living God and to step across the line of faith by placing their trust in Him as their personal Savior and Lord. If they did this…talk about a step in the right direction! You can help…by praying for your sponsored orphan, that God will draw them to Christ, that their heart will be tender, and that they will take that step of faith.

Secondly, that they will GROW in their walk with God. Just like parents enjoy watching children grow from babies into toddlers, then from toddlers into youth, then on to the teen years, and finally into adults – likewise may we long to see our orphans grow in their relationship with Christ. Far more important than good report cards, certificates and diplomas, or high-paying jobs is a genuine, growing walk with God. Again, you can help…by praying for your sponsored orphan, that they will have a hunger for God and that God will help them to grow in their walk with Him.

Thirdly, that they will SERVE God. Mainline culture whispers into our ears that life is about us. God says otherwise. We were never meant to live for ourselves, but for God and His purposes. If all of our kids would choose to live a life of service to God, imagine what He would do through them! He could change the landscape of a village, a region, even a country due to His kids engaging life His way. You can help…by praying that God will place in the heart of your sponsored orphan a desire to serve Him, and that He will deploy these kids (even now) into His service.

To know God. To grow in God. To serve God. I hope that most, maybe all, of you would agree that these embody the highest and the best that we can hope, dream, and desire for our orphans. If so, then we need to pray, for only with God’s help can they come to pass.

Want to engage in effective orphan ministry? Keep writing those checks, but don’t forget to pray!