Over 5000 children sit heartbroken over the loss of both parents to the HIV/AIDS virus. Now orphaned we are lending a hand in support to those who are in most need.
Update from the Field: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Unexpectedly, through the efforts of our coordinators in the Congo, we have located a center housing over five thousand orphaned children who have lost both parents to HIV/AIDS. Adding to the number of children the Lord has directed us to feed in the Congo will be the orphans from this center.
So sad is the heart as these kids have lost both parents and are left without a family and without any means of certain survival or support. Lacking physically has only increased the grief each is living with emotionally.
Although the number of children who need our help is uncertain, as evaluations are in process, we are immediately enrolling those in most need into the program set up through Please Pass the Bread by Pastor Thomas, our long time ministry partner in the Congo.
(Photo at right) Taken on, as a special case, is that of a woman who has just inherited an infant after both of the baby’s parents recently died of HIV/AIDS. She was found with the baby living in a nearby church and is herself homeless and without support.
“Along with adding these orphaned children to the group of those we already feed in the PPtB program, we want to involve ourselves with the care of these children long term,” says Pastor Thomas. “Our concern is that God helps us to give these children, who have no one, the same opportunities as those who have a family. Because these children are unwanted, they need our support and complete love and attention.”
“At such a young age, and each knows they have lost both parents, it is hard to realize what they are going through. It is hard to sit and take no action. We are giving of our time in a commitment to help these children to smile and find joy in this life again,” Pastor Thomas continued.
An assessment of the need is continuing, as there are thousands of children in this center. And as we move forward we are aware of the greater need for long term care. This will include getting them back to school with fees and supplies paid for. We want to set a course of life for the children in our care, one in which they can live consistently, while we take charge of their regular food and other needs.
Pastor Thomas offers a prayer he would like everyone to join in on: “May God touch the hearts of His faithful around the world so that together, we can extend resources to provide hope to these children who have been left orphaned without anyone who cares. May we be the ones to show how deeply they are cared for, and by the grace of God, give them the same expectations as other children.”