Jas 1:27

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Charity (love in action) is the fulfillment of the Law. The question has been asked, "How to help poor orphans?".

This is similar to questions we ask ourselves often about many important world situations. What can I do? I am just one person, how can I make a difference. What is amazing is that there are so many ways! It all depends on your circumstances and your level of commitment, but there is something for everybody to do.

The most ubiquitous way is to give finances to a charitable organization with people who are in the field doing the hands on work of caring for these children. There are a lot of groups out there, as a quick search of the web will show.

A word of caution; It is wise to check out an organization you are unfamilar with.

You don't want to end up lining some con mans pockets, or supporting guerilla mercenaries who are oppressing the poor.

If you are going to give money you can choose your faith, (or lack thereof) and choose your area. There is almost no where on earth were there are not people hurting with good Samaritans trying to help. Most have web pages.

I should start out by profiling a personal favorite. This is a Christian based ministry that visits orphanages in Africa and other countries.

Horizon Ministries http://www.revivalfire.org/

It is run by a very dear friend of mine for almost 40 years now. His name is Dale Garris and he hails from Waxahatchie, TX.

I don't like to put anyone on a pedestal, because in the end we all fall short, so I won't say Dale is my hero, but he is right up there. His mission is funded and run by himself and very few others. He has funded his own ministry from the start. It started with a small radio broadcast and newspaper column. As I mentioned, his support comes from his own business, and a handful of donors, which know what he is doing.

He pays his own flights to Africa and heads to the poorest areas he is in. He visits the slums in the big cities, the orphanages, and the far reaches of the bush. He goes where most other relief efforts do not go. He does not go out and openly solicit donations, but I know that whenever he goes there is always more that could have beendone. If this sounds like something you would like to support, you will not have to worry about whether you money went to help the poor. It will.

A mission that I don't know a lot about, but seems to really hit the mark when it comes to helping children is, Hand in Hand Ministries. They are in the heart of one of the child abuse nations of the world, Thailand. Their web site is: http://www.hand-in-hand.co.uk/videos.html

An organization that has been around for a long time is the Christian Children's Fund. http://www.christianchildrensfund.org/ They are famous for having a very open accountability. They have been sponsoring children for a very long time and are very effective in what they do.

I don't want to just list charities though. Anyone can do a search on the web if you don't have a favorite. Charity begins close to home and it doesn't have to be an orphanage. What about a neighbor that has hit some hard times and their children are suffering? What can you do? A meal perhaps? It would be a start. Pay a bill, fix a car, whatever you are able.

Are you willing to commit your life? Do not jump into it lightly, but if the burden is in your heart, maybe you would consider adoption. There is no greater joy, if it is meant for you.

If you want do something for orphans or the poor and desolate in any state, simply start and for those of you with faith, add to your works, your prayers.

How many ways and how many times has it been said? "You reap what you sow". "What goes around comes around." Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."

"Charity shall cover a multitude of sins" Of course, we can not buy our salvation, but there is no doubt that God our Savior does take into account how we have treated him, and he says as we have done to the least of his is how we have treated him.

I know in my community, the Salvation Army was there before the Red Cross or any government agency ever showed up. This was after a big hurricane hit our area. There are many opportunities to do volunteer work with them.

Check with the churches and missions in your area. Can you help with serving or providing food? Do you preach or teach? There are many places that need help ministering and mentoring children and adults.

Purpose in yourself to be the answer to someone elses prayer. Then ask God for help to direct your path.

I think you will be amazed at the result!

Conclusion:

As it can easiliy be seen, finding children in need is not hard. I think procrastination and lack of urgency keep most people back from moving on their most noble aspirations to help.

If you have the desire to help, then I hope this hub has been an asset to you.

Tom