The Orphan

In a discussion about how the local and global church might care well for families at risk, former assistant secretary, Administration for Children and Families (ACF) for the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Lynn Johnson said, “We need to go into every zip code with the intent to build strength and dignity and caring.”

“We need to go into every zip code with the intent to build strength and dignity and caring.”

Lynn’s experience as assistant secretarys, as well as her own firsthand experiences mentoring young adults aged out of foster care, have fueled her passion about faith communities doing not only their part, but doing it in ways that only churches can – as a family.

“61% of the kids removed from their homes are removed due to the consequences of poverty,” Johnson explained. “Not because they’ve been physically or sexually abused.”

So, what can churches do to alleviate the emotional and physical toll on families suffering the effects of poverty?

A small chore like offering to babysit while a single parent looks for employment or simply rests is a start. Offering to mow a lawn, bring a home-cooked meal, or deliver groceries can help reduce some of the strain on the family. The possibilities are endless when a church community decides to wrap around a family using all their gifts, talents, and resources.

The possibilities are endless when a church community decides to wrap around a family using all their gifts, talents, and resources.

CityServe’s abuse prevention efforts are in line with several of our core initiatives: to serve the hungry, the widow, the poor, the addicted, the prisoner, the vulnerable, and the exploited. In 2018, there were 38.1 million Americans living below the poverty line. The pressure on a family that must make the choice each month between paying rent or buying groceries is immense. When churches serve the needs of families in these circumstances, they can help release that pressure and bring the light of Jesus into the home.

Some of the ways that CityServe HUBs and PODs are engaging in the ministry of abuse prevention are through meeting hunger needs, engaging families with an incarcerated parent and supporting families dealing with addiction.

But what happens when abuse has already occurred?

Redeeming Stories of Abuse

If a loving, Christian family can foster or adopt a child or young adult in the foster care system, there is no doubt that they should. Scripture is clear on the church’s role in caring for the orphan and the widow: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27. For families that can’t foster or adopt for themselves, there are still many key roles to play in the life of a child and a foster or adoptive family.

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27.

Support can come in the form of something simple like running errands. Or throwing a baby shower for the adoptive family and making sure they have a vehicle suitable for transporting their kids. Offering babysitting or mentoring for older kids is another way to walk alongside these families. According to YouthMentor.org, “Youth who meet regularly with their mentors are 46% less likely than their peers to start using illegal drugs and 27% less likely to start drinking.”

When a young adult or child receives loving guidance from a trusted adult, the results can be lifesaving. Foster Focus Magazine reports that without social connections or family to call upon, 40-50% of emancipated youth experience homelessness. These youth are also more likely to be preyed upon by sex traffickers. In fact, 60 % of domestic child trafficking victims have a history in the child welfare system (childrensrights.org).

Johnson reminds us that the greatest hope for our nation’s kids is found when the church community decides that it is their job to go “all in.”

Johnson reminds us that the greatest hope for our nation’s kids is found when the church community decides that it is their job to go “all in.”

“CPS (Child Protection Services) is only one piece of the puzzle,” she says. “Teachers, pastors, doctors, and parents see these children. One system cannot take the hit on this [child abuse]. The whole community has to start wrapping their arms around America’s kids.”

With prayer and God’s love in action, it’s more than possible. What will your church do?

What will your church do?

On April 24th join CityServe in praying for child abuse to end. That the factors that lead to abuse would be alleviated and that families would stay whole. Pray for discernment in how your church family might partner in the ministry of abuse prevention and how best to wrap around families who are already serving America’s kids.