Yesterday we visited a special needs orphanage. It was like nothing I had ever experienced before to say the least. Children mostly, mentally and physically handicapped; limbs shrunken and twisted, faces deformed, speech unrecongnizable. I couldn't bring myself to take pictures, and I hope I can put into words the experience in full.
I realized later that night in our debrief with the team, that I felt for the first time a true sense of compassion. We all felt like crying in pity for these children as we walked from room to room, but the Holy Spirit, knowing that tears could not mend, filled us instead with compassion. Smiles were on our faces as we loved on these children, most confined nearly lifeless to a bed. We put bracelets on their twisted wrists and fingers, touched their hands, and rubbed their backs, praying silently. As we moved from each child, smiles soon came on their faces, noises which were clearly distinguished as joy and appreciation filled their voices, and I prayed that God, in a way only He could do, would let these children know Him for who He truly is. That someday they would run freely, laugh out loud, and embrace their Father in Heaven. Remembering Him as their only hope on earth.
Some would say how could a loving God allow such pain, but somehow I know that all will be revealed in the end. That the testimony of those children will tell of their trouble, but also that at the heart of life not much is needed. Not occupation, not possesions, not plans for the future. Only a hope in Jesus. For if ever I questioned the existence of a loving God, my experience at that orphanage forever removed all doubt, for His love was evident to all. I will never forget those faces, innocent as they were, and can only trust that the love of Jesus came through.
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