High Risk Youth and Orphan Care

Modern children are growing up in a world that is complex. It is a world defined by urban and global realities. Sin and evil occur in individuals, in families, in communities, in cities, and globally. Brokenness has entered into religious, economic, and political systems. Thankfully, we have hope as human beings because God has conquered evil and brokenness through his Son, Jesus Christ. We live in the now, but not yet. The kingdom of God is here, so we have hope. But, we still live in a present evil age. God is working through modern Christians and his Church to accomplish his redemptive mission.

It is in this context that followers of Jesus engage the brokenness of this world. God gives us hope, and we share that hope with others. When it comes to making a difference in the lives of the vulnerable children in this world, including orphans, social orphans, street kids, and high risk youth, it is important for Christians to be deeply engaged in complex responses to complex problems. We must have Christ work through us to accomplish his redemptive mission to kids on the margins of society. It's a biblical mandate that we all must take seriously.

Yes, it is important to develop programs that impact high risk youth. However, it is even more important to develop authentic relationships with kids. Simple programs are not enough. Churches, schools, government organizations, nonprofits, agencies, businesses, and individuals must work together in the process of transformation with our most vulnerable children. The work often requires tremendous sacrifice, but sacrificial love and service are true marks of those who are authentically following Jesus. We make the world a better place when we passionately serve others and when we work together as we serve.

I'm excited to share about these things at tonight's Encountering God in the City class at North Way East End. The topic of the evening is "High Risk Youth and Orphan Care." My hope is that God will continue to break our hearts for the evil in our world, and especially how that evil impacts troubled youth and vulnerable kids. My goal as a pastor is to mobilize as many Christians as possible to make a difference in this world by participating in God's redemptive mission. I still believe that God can do miracles and that God's heart is close to the orphan and the struggling children in our midst.