If you haven’t read Part 1 yet, read it here. This is a continued conversation with Angela, who is passionate about orphan care and issues of social justice. we are so thankful for her voice and passion!

social justice is when those who have a voice, power, leadership  use it on behalf of those who don’t.  what does  “giving voice to the voiceless” mean when it comes to orphans?

I think it means that we open our eyes wide (and our arms wider) to learn about their stories. That we do what we can to be informed about what is happening, and that we both advocate and act on their behalf.  Children really don’t hold a lot of value in the world’s economy, but in God’s economy, they do.   Lately, I’ve been spending time reading the first 4 books of the New Testament in the Bible: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and looking closely at the ‘red letters’ which were the words of Jesus. I want to live my life according to His teachings, and I think that as we follow the principles He lays out for us, then we will naturally be seeking out ways to give voice to the voiceless….

what are some small ways that people here, in broomfield, CO, can take a stand or work on behalf of justice for orphans?

I love many of Mother Teresa’s quotes. One that stands out to me, and I think about almost daily is “There are no great acts, only small acts done with great love.”  I love this, because I feel like it empowers us to do something. We aren’t going to solve the world’s orphan crisis, until we solve global poverty…and even then, there would still be orphans. The problem is huge. It is estimated that there are more than 143 million orphans world wide. That can be paralyzing. So… What can we really do about it?

Something.

We all can do something. That will look different for different people. For us, it meant adopting 2 kids that happened to have HIV. For others, it will mean adopting one child, or for some, 10 kids or more! For some people it will mean giving sacrificially so that others can adopt (they can give directly to someones adoption agency, or have a fund-raising event to help bring a child home) It could mean that you  decide to bring a foster child into your home, or that you provide respite care for an adoptive or foster parent. You could pray for and encourage your local foster care workers. Go to their office and ask them what their greatest needs are. You could sponsor an orphan overseas…pray for them…visit them. You could gather a small group of friends and sponsor an entire orphanage. It doesn’t end there, there is so much you could do…  A friend of mine is in process of converting her basement into a rent free apartment for a homeless teenage mom and her child. Is she serving orphans? I think she is. She is reaching out to someone who is without a family… and becoming a family to them. My challenge would be that you would pray and ask God where He wants you to move. And how. And then, do it. Do whatever small act He calls you to. I’m confident, that He will have something to say to you, if you ask.

Thanks, Angela! May we each consider what God is stirring up in us and act on it, whatever that may look like.

Note: here are some of Angela’s book suggestions for further reading about the orphan crisis and other social justice issues:

There is No Me Without You, by Melissa Fay Greene

The Red Letters: Living a Faith that Bleeds, by Tom Davis

Reckless Faith, Beth Guckenberger

Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical, by Shane Claiborne (Okay, so that last one isn’t just about caring for the orphan, but if you haven’t read it yet, you must!)