Orphans get some press

The cover story of the July 2010 issue of Christianity Today (CT) is entitled "Abba Changes Everything: Why every Christian is called to rescue orphans" by Russel D. Moore. This caught my attention for several reasons. First, I came across the article while sorting the mail after four days away in the hospital for the birth of my third child, Charlotte. My brother and sister-in-law were due back from Bulgaria where they have adopted a beautiful eight-year-old with cerebral palsy. And, oh yeah, I'm the director of an organization that desires to mobilize the church to care for orphans. I have to be choosy these days about what I take time to read, but I figured this month's edition of CT deserved a look.

I began with the letter from the editor of CT, Ted Olsen, entitled "Adoption is Everywhere: Even God is into it." He notes the increasing popularity of adoption and of church orphan care, which was promoted in "nearly every conference we've attended recently." He even cites several popular media examples, like The Blindside, that have addressed orphans and adoption. I have encountered numerous people lately that have told me their church is taking mission trips or starting programs to aid third-world children. I'm not in the know enough to determine whether or not this is just a fad, but it does seem like something is going on, something big. My short experience in Africa has taught me something profound: don't underestimate God. So basic, I know, but I realized a few years back that OJM was a tiny piece of something much larger that God was doing, and it was without a doubt God doing it: He is creating a worldwide movement of the church aimed at the very real tragedy of children without families. I could take very, very little credit for my participation; God pulled me into and it's both my privilege and my opportunity to walk with Him in obedience. My reward will be to see the Master at work from the front row.

I then went to the feature article, which did a great job of describing the various facets of orphan care, from doctrinal metaphor to spiritual warfare to practical command. It was a good reminder for me, a guy "in the business", of our call to action. And if you're unfamiliar with OJM, know that the James 1:27 mandate is truly what drives us. Our goal is to manifest pure and undefiled religion, to bring the name of Christ respect and honor because of our willingness to obey the call to care for the least of these. It is our obligation as adopted sons and daughters and I'm glad to see it being promoted in the press.