(Guest Post by Jeremy Tschida, Sojourner)

“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

What do you think about when you think of an orphan? Do you think about the orphanages in Africa, caring for children with HIV/AIDS who have suffered great tragedy in war torn countries? Do you think of the orphanages founded by the Catholic Church where children are cared for by women wearing habits and black gowns? Do you think of a room full of cribs in some far away land? Are you moved when you see commercials and presentations for the parentless child overseas?  You might be so inspired as to even sponsor a child overseas for $30 a month. These are all good things and should not be downplayed in anyway; those children need you and me, but what about the American Orphan? Do you know what the American Orphan looks like today?

The American Orphan is a child who has found his or her way into custody of the State via some type of Child Protection Service. They have experienced abuse, neglect, and hardships that could make the strongest of stomachs queasy. This child has been removed from a home for a variety of horrendous reasons and placed into some type of state funded foster care program. As of September 30, 2006, 510,000 children were in the foster care system in the US (AFCARS, 2006)—Half a million! They have often seen atrocities that we could not even imagine, been bounced from one home to another, many times seeing the inside of several institutions, and in the process they have lost hope.

Why have they lost hope? Because they are simply not being exposed to the only One that can give hope—Christ Jesus. We are called to be relational people, the hands and feet of Christ, messengers of the Gospel, messengers of HOPE! How well do we do this? Less than 5% of the American Orphans in Louisville have a mentor, someone other than the “System” with whom to share life. American Christians have allowed the government to take over our responsibility of caring for the orphan. Are we not His disciples (Mt. 10:42)?

Consider this:  If state funded programs can help orphans to overcome psychological issues and teach them how to live a productive life, but they suffer eternally because they are not taught the glory of Christ who is held responsible?

So what can we do as a church for the American Orphan? First and foremost commit to praying for these young people. Real change can only happen in the heart (Mt. 15:19), and the heart is only made anew by the Gospel (Ezekiel 36:26). Second, be a part of their lives. What about reaching out to these young people? Mentors are needed or even just spending an hour a month with them in variety of fun ways. Why not throw block parties for the American Orphan where they are? Watch a movie with them, send them a card, the sky is the limit! If you are interested in being a part of something great feel free to contact me.

Jeremy Tschida

jertsc@hotmail.com

References:

US Department of Health and Human Services. (2006). The AFCARS Report: Final Estimate for FY 1998 Through FY 2002 (12). Retrieved March 19, 2009 from http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/foster.cfm