10 Ways to Care for Orphans

This is a repost from the Hope Hill blog. I thought it would be appropriate to post right now as we contemplate about the Christmas season and giving gifts, as well as look towards the New Year and make resolutions. I encourage you to pick at least one item off this list and make it a priority this year!

In the midst of unpacking all our things in our new house, my Dad handed me a flyer that he had picked up at church. The flyer had two sides. One said “10 Ways Every Christian Can Care for the Orphan and Waiting Child.” The other side said “10 Ways Christians Like YOU Have Cared for the Orphan and Waiting Child.” It was a very inspiring list, full of practical ways to serve. I thought I’d re-post the list here, but I also encourage you to read the whole flyer by clicking here.

 

1. PRAY for them. (Matthew 7:7-8)

·         Tape a waiting child’s picture to your dashboard and pray for the child every time you’re in the car. Visit www.AdoptUsKids.com or www.RainbowKids.com.

·         Organize an evening prayer vigil at your church and pray for children in foster care or an orphanage overseas.

2. SPEAK UP for them (Proverbs 31:8-9)

·         Carry a waiting child’s picture and show it to other believers. Ask if they, or someone they know, would give this child a home.

·         Become a court appointed special advocate for a child in foster care. Visit www.NationalCASA.org for details.

3. PROVIDE for their needs (James 2:15-16)

·         Give sacrificially to a reputable orphanage. Financial gifts can be designated for specific items and aid needed by orphans. Visit www.HelpOrphans.org for more information.

4. SUPPORT those who support them Hebrews 10:24)

·         Mow, babysit, or organize meals for a week for foster parents. Pray with them and tell them you appreciate what they do.

·         Encourage a family adopting an older child by hosting a shower for them.

5. PROTECT them from harm (Psalm 146:9)

·         Become a foster parent or emergency foster parent.

·         Raise money to build a children’s home to help remove children from the streets. Visit www.WorldOrphans.org for details.

6. VISIT them where they are (James 1:27)

·         Go on a mission trip to an orphanage as an individual or family. Visit www.GainUSA.org or www.HelpOrphans.org for information

·         Take dinner to a foster group-home on a regular basis.

7. GIVE sacrificially to them (2 Corinthians 9:7)

·         Support reputable orphan care organizations on a regular basis.

·         Contribute generously to an adoptive family to help offset their costs. Visit www.ShaohannahsHope.org or www.LifeSongForOrphans.org.

8. ENCOURAGE them to press on (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

·         Sponsor a child, support them financially, and encourage them through your letters. Visit www.VisionTrust.org to learn more.

·         Become a mentor or tutor to a teenager in a foster group-home.

9. ADOPT them into your family (Psalm 68:5-6a)

·         Give a child a home through international, domestic, or foster care adoption.

·         Adopt a young adult who has aged out of the system.

10. MOBILIZE your church for them (Matthew 28:18-20)

·         Be a catalyst in your church for starting a sustained orphans ministry. Visit www.HopeForOrphans.org for resources and to learn about attending a Your Church and the Orphan™ workshop.

 

 

*List published by Hope for Orphans.