 |
|
|
He squats under the table as only a four year old knows how, totally oblivious to the businessmen sitting in chairs above him. So focused is he on his empty stomach and the fallen bits of food, he doesn’t notice glossy black shoes that don’t move out of his way; a common sight at the outside cafés in North Korea. Children here know nothing of Prosperity, but Prosperity knows them – and ignores them.
***
Liquid brown eyes look up at the man in front of her. She smiles tentatively – hungry and tired. Precious. She dare not cry or whimper; her Cambodian caretakers know how to inflict the kind of pain that does not show. He desires young soft skin; not bruised, cut skin. Prosperity enjoys the wealth from her innocence as it feeds a lust never satisfied. She lowers her eyes and takes his hand.
***
Shivering bodies of all ages huddle together to keep warm in the sewer tunnels that open to the streets of Bulgaria. Bitter nights mean snow and frost. Stench and disease are the least of their worries for the night. The lucky ones are those close to the open-way where gas fumes of passing cars fill their lungs. Prosperity walks by daunting eyes of ashen faces while enjoying the warmth of fur-lined coats on their way to dinner.
***
Babies cry no more. They have learned no one is there. They know not a hug or a cuddle in this Romanian Orphanage of cribs and cages – cribs and cages they will never leave. No sun on their faces, no breeze on their skin, no fragrance of wildflowers in the spring … no music. Prosperity has better things to do than care for the abandoned and disabled. It is silent in this building of forgotten children. They don’t know how to laugh or play.
***
‘I don’t want to go home!’ cries one more child, afraid. Against stern advocate advice, American courts have ordered him back to a home that resents his intrusion but welcomes government benefits as long as he lives there. Life drains all hope, and tears unexpectedly rush down his cheeks. Boys aren’t supposed to cry, but he knows the routine so well. Home, beatings, foster care – Why can’t they see it too? I’m so scared! Two weeks later, he dies at the hands of a man that doesn’t want him around, anymore. Prosperity diverts funds to more worthy causes with even more government benefits.
***
The camera lens zooms in for a shot, capturing a dog lying on the streets of Bombay. It is feeding one lone suckling as she tries to survive her own malnutrition. The picture makes a good front-page story. A closer look at the hungry bundle reveals a tiny child receiving milk from this mother dog. Prosperity turns the page and goes on to the next story.
***
Suffer the little children?
‘Yes … they do.’
But, where Prosperity has ignored or exploited the innocent and helpless, God has raised men, women and families to fight their fight. Through these brave champions, I can hold these children; I can feed them, keep them safe, give them a warm bed … show them love. Rescue them. The impossible made possible through love, obedience and sacrifice.
If there is a lingering burden that continues to grip your heart, may I encourage you to search and pray for the organizations God longs to work with through you. Many international and local organizations pray for support to continue the battles for all children. The fields of desperate little ones are many.
Thank you for reading their stories – the Angel Faces of this world.
Matthew 18:10 "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father in heaven. (NIV)
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
|
|
|
