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.
James 1:27
November is National Orphan Awareness Month; one way we celebrate is through Orphan Sunday. Orphan Sunday is “designed to help the body of Christ live out its calling to care for vulnerable children and families while growing closer to Jesus as His disciples” (Pure Religion Sunday-Christian Alliance for Orphans, 2023). In the biblical context, an orphan describes a child whose parents cannot provide the necessities to care for them. Many children in this situation are left vulnerable because they have no family or parental guidance, but the good news is that God has a special place for them in His heart. Our God, El Shaddai, cares for vulnerable children in unique situations like this who have no parental or family support. Psalms 68:5 states that God is “A father to the fatherless…” When a child is abandoned, neglected, or without the proper support from their parents, God’s heart becomes tender towards them. God is compassionate, while also demanding justice for vulnerable children. The same love that God has for unbelievers without a spiritual home is the same love He has for children without a physical home. God’s love goes beyond our spiritual well-being, God wants us to be taken care of physically, emotionally, and mentally. God created the family unit to provide these things for children, and when there are children who do not have this, God’s heart breaks. Throughout scripture, it is obvious that vulnerable children have a special place in the heart of God; therefore they have a special place in the heart of His people.
One way that some Christians are providing support to children in these situations is through supporting group homes. Today there are thousands of group homes that provide food, support, and shelter for vulnerable children. This is why National Orphan Awareness Month and Orphan Sunday are so dear to our hearts. Advance the Faith provides support to vulnerable children by partnering internationally with children’s homes. Advance the Faith began by visiting the Old Bight Mission Home in Cat Island, Bahamas; this was a trip that ignited a fire inside of us to serve and love vulnerable children. Partnering with children’s homes allows us to live out our mission to build relationships that promote Christian cultures of discipleship and service. Advance the Faith supports children’s homes in the Bahamas (Cat Island and Nassau) and La Gonave, Haiti. These homes provide for the practical, spiritual, emotional, educational, and relational needs of children. Through our partnership with the homes, we aim to further these efforts and help the children understand that God loves them and has a plan for both their present and their future. For the home we partner with in Haiti, the children get at least 2 meals per day, clean water, and the opportunity to learn English and music. We support homes in the Bahamas by sending personal items, food, and cleaning supplies and providing maintenance throughout the year.
Providing these necessities for vulnerable children makes room for them to see the love of God. They are witnessing that there is a God who is so personal that He meets them right where they are.
Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?
James 2:15-16
The Spirit of God that lives inside of every Christian compels us to take care of vulnerable children facing unique challenges. Families were created to represent unity and love, the perfect picture of God. But sin has caused brokenness within families which results in abandonment, neglect, abuse, and trauma. When the body of Christ comes together to provide support for vulnerable children, we are sowing seeds to stop the pattern of abandonment, neglect, abuse, and trauma. We are promoting a culture for vulnerable children to have a rich and prosperous life.
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Hebrews 13:16
This year for National Orphan Awareness month we want to first thank all our supporters who have donated and been with us along this journey of providing support for the homes. For those of you who want to partner with us, we want to give you an opportunity to join us in supporting these homes. We believe that when the body of Christ comes together, we can make a difference in the lives of the next generation.
We encourage you to continually pray for vulnerable families and children.
Your kindness is giving hope to a child, and we believe that hope can change their entire life.
How to get involved
Partner with Advance the Faith to provide food and supplies by giving monthly or yearly to international missions.
Make a difference in your community!
- Volunteer weekly or monthly at your local children’s home
- Donate clothes, shoes, toys, children’s books, diapers, shoes, food, coats, jackets, and cleaning supplies to your local children’s home
Impact Generations For A Better Future
Shay Griffin
Shay is a biblical studies intern. She is a Master of Divinity student at Liberty University and currently lives in Louisiana. She hopes to one day teach the Bible at colleges/universities, and churches, and create devotional/curriculum content. Her goal for this internship is to be challenged in her skills as a writer and a teacher.
Pure Religion Sunday – Christian Alliance for Orphans. (2023, October 19). Christian Alliance for Orphans. https://cafo.org/purereligion/pure-religion-sunday/