Why the Children

During times of crisis, as the Haitians have recently encountered, it is easy to sit back and be overwhelmed by the devastation. It's easy to see broken buildings, and broken homes and broken bodies, but sometimes it's even harder to look deeper into the broken spirits and the broken lives of the people of Haiti. The burden of the broken buildings and broken bodies is heavy on the hearts and lives of the adults of the country, but it is the broken spirits that will most greatly effect the children. These children count on those around them to care for them and to help them to see what life is about. They are fully dependent on the adults around them and when they are broken, or all together gone, where can they turn? That is where, as believers, we can step in and be that encouragement and hope that these children need.

Several years ago, as my husband and I began to investigate International Adoption, the orphans of Haiti soon became a tender spot in our lives. Personally, after reading the book Hands and Feet by the band members of Audio Adrenaline, my heart has not been the same and I have had a desire to make a trip to Haiti and work with a ministry in orphanages. Following the Hurricanes of 2008 that devastated Haiti, my heart grew even closer. Now, following January 12, 2010 I feel like there is a piece of me that is not here. All I can see are the children's faces, pleading for help.

Did you know that prior to the earthquake, almost half the population of Haiti consisted of Children, ages 0-14? I am sure since January 12 that percentage has unfortunately increased.

Here are some statistics (2006 figures) taken from the Hands and Feet book:

• 8 percent of children born in Haiti will die before their first birthday
• 30,000 children under the age of 5 will die each year
• Minimum wage in Haiti is approximately $1.70 a DAY

So "Why the Children" you may ask? Because they are the future of Haiti. They are often the lost and forgotten, but without them, without reaching them in the Name of Jesus, this tragic situation will continue to be just that... tragic. Lets take this opportunity God has placed before us to make a difference not only in the lives of a few children with diapers and formula, but to be an impact in a country that has been hurting for a very long time, and needs the Healing Grace of a God that loves them more then they may yet know.