Orphan Sunday

Today is Orphan Sunday.  Churches across the United States and internationally, reaching to countries like Kenya, Guatemala, and the Ukraine, are joining forces in an effort to raise awareness about the plight of orphaned and vulnerable children. 

There are approximately 2.5 million orphans in Uganda.  This includes children who have lost one or both parents.  20 percent of Ugandan children (17 and under) have lost at least one parent.  And sadly, Uganda leads the world in the highest proportion of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. 

God has a special place in his heart for orphaned children, and we at Amazima want to reflect His heart to everyone we meet. 

Mary Amolokonyi, just five years old, is one of our sponsored children at Amazima.  When Mary was young, her mother passed away just before giving birth to another child.  Recently, Mary’s father suddenly left the village, abandoning Mary and leaving her in an extremely vulnerable position.

Mary’s Aunt, Topista, now takes care of Mary (as well as Topista's mother).  She sells vegetables to try to provide for her family, but still struggles. “I depend on the Grace of God," Topista shares.  "I just look upon the Lord. I know God will provide for me and Mary. I try to be kind and loving to anyone who comes my way.”

This Orphan Sunday, we want to suggest a few ways you can pray for orphaned children right in your own home. 

Pray:

• for the 18.3 million children in our world with no mother or father.  Pray they will be comforted and have hope today, wherever they are.
• for Amazima's outreach in Uganda to children like Mary.  Pray we will serve well, love generously, and point many children to Jesus.
• for an awareness of the needs of vulnerable children in your own community, and for God to reveal to you how you might help.
• for a movement among Christians in your church and in churches around the world to become active in orphan care and adoption.
• seek the Lord and ask whether He might want you to be the family for a child who does not have one.