By This past week I was blessed to spend a few hours with two of our church’s partners from Zimbabwe, Peter and Amos. The partnership helps to reach the needs of orphans in Zimbabwe through two Christian homes. These orphans call the caregivers “mother,” “father,” “aunt,” and “uncle;” and they consider each other as brothers and sisters. These children not only receive shelter, clothes, and food, but they also receive education and health care through these two Christian homes.
All of this is an answer to Peter’s dream to provide to orphans. Peter, himself, was an orphan and knows the life of an orphan all too well. The children they care for and raise are orphaned as unwanted children; sick children; or lost parents to their own illnesses. They are raised as members of a family. Their lives have been saved, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Zimbabwe is a country in extreme turmoil with increasing financial constraints from the government. For example, a loaf of bread costs the equivalent of $16 a loaf in U.S. currency; gasoline costs the equivalent of $25/gallon in U.S. currency. The tension between the citizens and the government continues to rise with routine demonstrations and arrests.
Amos described the role of hope in their efforts to help those in need through the homes and the surrounding community. He states “rather than argue with the government we lead them in prayer. We pray for the hope that tomorrow will be the day that the government stops the oppression. We pray for tomorrow to be brighter and better.” This after all is the hope that Jesus gives to each of us – the hope for an eternal life.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 8:24-25
Each of us struggle with a relationship, finances, employment, or illness. These extraordinary men are helping others, helping to raise the orphans, and praying for a hopeful future. Each one of us have the ability to rejoice in hope for the future.
How can you pray through hope for the future this week?
