In recent years, the global Christian community has been grappling with complex questions about ethical practices in childcare and global missions. Perhaps you’ve encountered stories of well-meaning efforts that didn’t go as planned, or you’ve pondered how to authentically share God’s love in a multifaceted world.
Over the coming months, we aim to explore these significant questions, share uplifting stories of God’s work, and discuss our ongoing learning experiences at Agape Asia. This month, we focus on the topic of childcare by sharing the story of a girl named Grace.
In the sector of orphan care and sponsorship, there is a growing concern to ensure our efforts genuinely benefit the well-being of children. Many wonder about the best care practices and how to align good intentions with effective actions. At Agape, we engage in discussions informed by Scripture, our over 27 years of experience, and insights from respected experts.
Throughout our work in Asia, we’ve encountered and posed numerous questions about childcare. It’s clear from Scripture that God cares deeply for the vulnerable, particularly orphans and widows (James 1:27). Often, these groups overlap in Asia, where the prevalent cause of child abandonment is the absence of fathers due to early death or abandonment. Children in these circumstances are sometimes referred to as “single orphans.” Single mothers in these situations endure challenges akin to those of widows, as they struggle to work, parent, and sustain their families alone.
The majority of the world’s orphans are “single orphans” from such backgrounds. Many mothers find it overwhelmingly difficult to support their child, secure an education, or even provide sufficient food. Consequently, children are often left completely abandoned, even if they have a living mother or other relatives. Traditionally, these children end up in orphanages. While orphanages, run by compassionate, Christian leaders, have been crucial in providing refuge, Scripture and research affirm that the optimal environment for a child’s development is within a loving family.
Years ago, all of Agape’s childcare initiatives were centered in care centers. These facilities, managed by dedicated and trustworthy leaders, enabled us to rescue thousands of children. However, we have recently shifted towards family-based care. In cases where a child is abandoned or on the brink of abandonment, we facilitate support to allow the child to grow up with a loving family member through “kinship care.” Reuniting children with family or preventing abandonment embodies a profound expression of the Father’s love. For children who have been completely forsaken or are in danger, we endeavor to place them with Christian foster families, furthering our commitment to nurturing vulnerable children in family settings.
About The Author
Leave a comment