The Orphan Crisis
Orphans. The “World's Waiting Children” - waiting for love; waiting for family; waiting for someone to care.
Many wait in vain. And, the world pays a terrible price. Orphaned girls are often recruited into brothels. Orphaned boys, as young as 5, are recruited into gangs, armies, and terrorist groups.
“If you have large numbers of orphans who are rootless and homeless and foodless, and bewildered by their position, and feeling pretty angry and anti-social about what has happened to them... you have a possibility of real instability... Poverty can be the basis for the attraction of extremist groups.” - Ambassador Stephen Lewis, the UN Special Envoy on HIV and AIDS in Africa
Why This Matters
The consequences of neglecting the “World's Waiting Children” are horrifying. Many resort to stealing, prostitution, or selling drugs. A tremendously high number spend time in jail or prison.
The children wait. Does anyone care?
What We Must Do
The Bible is clear. God cares deeply. And, because of God's special concern for these vulnerable children, we must care, as well. That's why the Great Commission Coalition has launched a long-term, worldwide campaign known as "The Waiting Children". This campaign seeks to raise awareness of the orphan crisis, and to spur fellow Christians to action. The GCC's Art for Orphans Ministry and website is a part of this overall strategy.
