The Plight of Children
“The tongue of the sucking child cleaveth to the roof of his mouth for thirst:
the young children ask bread, and NO MAN BREAKETH IT UNTO THEM.”
(Lamentations4:4)
Prophet Jeremiah took up a lamentation, while in agony of fervent prayer, for the people of the Living God in captivity. Captivity is a spiritual situation for God’s people where, the Living God cuts off His relationship and presence from His people and give them over to enemies, to totally destroy them and make them so emancipated, that they Live in a miserable situation beyond description. The Lord rightly declared, “..I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me. (Ex.20.5)
Children under various Categories.
- There are millions of children around the world, dying of famine, HIV/AIDS, blindness, mental disorders and other physical deformations; for the mistakes or sins of none of theirs.
- Then there are Orphaned, abandoned and destitute children. This is because, some of them were born out of wed-lock, some suffer because of wars, and some suffer because of natural calamities. And this accounts for billions.
- Then there are children who are: illiterate children, child laborers, physically and physically exploited, baby sitters and cattle tenders in many nations.
- There are Special children : runaways from homes, shop lifters, drug addicts, Children with criminal activities, child soldiers etc..
The agents that spoil children:
1. A love less, often quarrel filled home (or) a sudden divorce of parents. Parents have no time to listen to children situation. Children are only small but they have greater problems than an adult.
2. Too much love, liberty and failure to correct them when they violate moral values. Social, spiritual and ethical values in life.
3. Too much freedom, to possess unlimited money( should be accountable), let loose freedom to have friends, freedom to come home late at night, freedom to read, see and experience filthy books, movies, and other agents.
4. A never check situation of school life, grades, his/her friends in schools, sports life.
5. A DANGEROUS SPIRITUAL DEATH. These children have no exposure to God and to spiritual things.
What are the solutions to gat back our children?
1. “ Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants around about thy table.” (Ps.127:3)
(Ps.127:3 This is Gods’, successful spiritual counsel and plan for a happy family. Christian parents and children should come around the table to eat. This has spiritual significance. A strongly bound family produces strong children. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the Lord.” Sing, read the word, educate them in the word. Let love, forgiveness, up-lifting each other, peace and joy run over the brinks. The children will be loved and cared by the Lord. Angels are charged over them.
2. Children must get their Christian education by attending Sunday school. Memorizing scripture verses, singing And praising and learning stories from the bible are live and powerful “Seeds” we sow in their hearts. And the Holy Spirit will help to sprout them in due season and make the life fruitful.
3. Cultivate in them “Prayer Life” They should know that the Living God loves them, cares
For them , supplies their needs and protects them and if they go to them in time of failure, sorrow, needs and pains that He freely forgives and restores every thing. Then the children will know that there is always some one to listen and to answer to them.
4. Give them freedom with speed breakers. Allow friends, time outs, let them possess money, them play games and be active, but always keep an eye and if they get in to trouble correct them with love and patience. How Ever if they cross the limit, one has to extend punishment, only to correct them and not to destroy them.
Jesus Loves children and there fore He has ordained Missions and organizations in thousands through out this glob, who care for their holistic needs. I praise the Lord for them. Our children are our future generation and our church leaders. It is our moral and spiritual responsibility to serve the Children with the plan and vision of God!
Bethel serves totally a different breed of children. And they are rural children from a raw non Christian back ground! Every Year Molly, my wife and I take the full responsibility of conducting a 10 days of “Residential Summer camp” for nearly 200 kids from villages where we have associate churches. There they do not have the freedom to go to church regularly and have a systematic Christian Education.
Bethel provides free food, study materials, accommodation, prizes and travel subsidy. Every year the Lord will raise few individuals to support this camp. This year the camp begins on the 1st May 2010 to 10.May 2010. This year so far no one responded!
I need your prayers for this year’s camp meetings! And if possible extend practical support and funds. Visit our site at: www.bethelerc.org to send in your offerings.
Rev.Dass.T
Director