Cry of the Orphan

Over 140 million orphans and waiting children under the age of 18 have lost one or both parents

Over 13 million double orphans under the age of 18 have lost both parents

Sub-Saharan Africa has 48.3 million orphans

Asia has the largest total number of orphans with 73.7 million orphans

Latin America and the Caribbean has 10.7 million orphans

Orphans are more vulnerable and at risk of becoming victims of violence, exploitation, trafficking, discrimination, or other abuses.

More than 500,000 children are in United States foster care.

Over 120,000 children in foster care are waiting to be adopted.

Only around 50,000 children, or 18% of those waiting in foster care, are adopted every year.

On average, children in foster care wait over 2 years to be adopted.

(From http://www.cryoftheorphan.org/)

Don't let the numbers obscure the fact that we are speaking of children. YOU can't save them all but YOU can save one.

Don't lose sight of the fact that each child is special in his or her own unique way, with God's fingerprints all over their special design and personality.

Each child needs so much guidance and time and grace and training and LOVE to grow properly and WELL.

A family is the only right place for this to happen. Tragically, for millions of children a family is not even a possibility.

May our hearts be moved and our eyes be opened and our tongues be loosed on behalf of the children who have no one to call "mommy" or "daddy" today, tomorrow, and forever.

In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

Ephesians 1:5-6