Jesus Loves Children!
"People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Luke 18:15-17
Today’s story is about Ali. Jesus loves Ali! Ali is seven years old and lives with her family, both parents and two older brothers. The family is very poor. Ali’s mother stays home and takes care of the household chores, her father is an alcoholic and only does occasional work. Ali had never attended regular school. She didn’t have a birth certificate or any form of identification. Her mother enrolled her in a local daycare/preschool program that we know and work with to help the local children. The teachers told us she did not attend regularly, wouldn’t listen and often used bad language. The mother pleaded with the daycare to please help her daughter. The teachers began giving Ali special attention. They were praying with her, counselling her and even organizing parent meetings to guide the family. Gradually, things began to change. Ali began to study and recited poems she learned at the daycare to her mother. Her behaviour changed and she was no longer using bad language. Still, the daycare could not get her enrolled in any school. They called our director for help. We were able to get Ali legal identification and get her enrolled in school. Ali’s mother is so happy that her daughter is now in school, studying well and progressing. We will continue to follow-up with Ali and her mother.
There are many things I love about this story. First, I am thankful we have the reputation that other organizations call on us for help to move children and women forward to a positive situation. Our staff work tirelessly on behalf of children and women. They know first hand the importance of education for girls. If a girl is in school, it significantly decreases the chance of her being trafficked. It reduces child marriages and girls have better health outcomes. If a girl is educated it increases economic growth for the family and community development. There are so many reasons to educate girls.
Thank you so much for your support of the work we do. I wish all of you could meet the women and children we serve and you could see first hand how lives and communities are being changed. Join us in serving. You have an upcoming opportunity to go December 27, 2025 – January 10, 2026. My husband and I will be leading the team and we would love to see you there.