Nov 26, 2019
by Andy Samuels
Chief Executive Director
SDB Missionary Society
James 1:27 says, “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.”
This verse mentions two groups of people who need particular care and attention: widows and orphans. For this article, due to lack of space, I will focus on orphans and not address the widows.
According to UNICEF, between 143 million and 210 million children in the world are orphans. That is between 46% and 70% of the population of the United States of America. Every day, 5,760 more children in the world become orphans. Every 2.2 seconds, another orphan ages out, with no family and no home.
On a variety of levels, Seventh Day Baptists in different parts of the world have sought to be responsive to James 1:27, by initiating and operating orphan ministries, as part of their fulfillment of the Great Commission. In Africa, SDB Conferences in Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, and other countries have active orphanages, and are doing an outstanding job of ministering to children who find themselves in the unfortunate position of losing their parents. We’ve also had such ministries in India.
I recall going on a teaching mission trip to Zambia in 2017 and being accommodated at the Faith Orphanage there. Although this is not a direct Seventh Day Baptist orphanage, it was very interesting to see the vibrancy of the ministry. In fact, the young people who prepared our meals were orphans who, as part of their upbringing in this Christian environment, were being taught and mentored in culinary, hospitality, and etiquette skills. They had a chance to practice by serving their overseas guests. As they had been cared for, they were caring for us.
The Uganda SDB Conference has had their orphanage project for about 15 years. “Graduates” of the project are now gainfully employed in careers such as carpentry, hair design, secretarial duties, and others. One of those graduates that you would enjoy meeting is 23-year-old Irene Babirye, who has acquired a degree in accounting, now works with Prudential Insurance Company, and also volunteers with the “Raven” ministry project and Maranatha SDB child care program.
In Kenya, one of their orphan “graduates” is Kelvin Mose Sarotas, 20 years old, who has been living with the General Secretary of the Conference and his wife Dorcas. Kelvin is now a devoted helper in the church and conference, engaged in their music ministry, as well as children and youth empowerment and training. He feels a call to pastoral ministry, but at the moment his college studies are on hold because of lack of funds.
Older orphans are vulnerable…to abuse, suicide, prostitution, slavery, becoming child soldiers, immorality (and as a result, vulnerable to AIDS and disease). Yet, as orphans are rescued and saved by the Lord, and brought into His Kingdom, the enemy’s plans are thwarted. Instead, these older orphans can live joyful, productive lives and help to advance God’s cause and mission purposes.
At the recent annual General Conference gathering of Seventh Day Baptists in USA and Canada, a fundraising 5K event was held. The theme was “Bringing Orphans Home.” Participants raised funds for SDB orphan ministries worldwide. With over 75 participants, just under $3500 were raised. More is needed. More money. More Irenes. More Kelvins.
Through the Missionary Society, you may donate funds to orphan ministries. Please consider sending a gift. More importantly, commit to a regular time of praying for orphans and for our conferences which are dutifully engaged in ministries rescuing orphans.
In Psalm 27:10, David says, “Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” You and I have the opportunity to be the Lord’s instruments in helping to rescue orphans. You may not be able to take an orphan into your home, but you can give a financial donation and make a difference in the life of an orphan.
