Muraho (Hello) From Rwanda…

Six Months And Eight Countries In

HIGHLIGHTS

• Interviewing the gypsy King of Romania on child abandonment.

• Revealing vulnerability of children to trafficking in Moldova.

• Aiding Syrian refugee mothers.

• Meeting Turkish parents of children with disabilities who refuse to abandon their kids.

• Praying and worshipping inside the European Parliament.

• Interview with a ‘Tedtalk’ Orphan Care Expert in London.

Since my last update in the Ukraine we have been to Moldova, Romania, Macedonia, Turkey, Switzerland/France, Belgium, England and now Rwanda. God has been continuing to provide truly miraculous opportunities; showing His faithfulness time and time again.

Moldova- Vulnerability Of Orphans 

Here we saw first hand the vulnerability of orphans and unparented children.We found out through contacts working in an anti-trafficking organisation that their are cases of orphans captured and trafficked nationally or internationally for prostitution as well as body parts for organ harvesting.

In the midst of these horrors we met men and women working day and night to see these children get the love and care they deserve, protecting them from an evil that would seek to take advantage of them in the worst way. What these people are doing, the amount of work and compassion they show, could not be possible without the wisdom, joy and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Never could the need for solutions here be more important. God is providing those solutions and has His sons and daughters in many spheres of influence loving and caring for His little ones.

Romania- Discrimination Against The Roma People

In Romania God highlighted the plight of the Roma people and the discrimination they face in the country and across the globe. Because of the negative stereotypes which surround the people group, they are not allowed certain rights. Their access to education and other benefits is severely hampered. (It is made purposefully hard for Roma to gain citizenship, so the cycle perpetuates.) The discrimination is likened to how african-americans in the 1950’s were treated like dogs. This hatred and lack of normal citizen rights is disabling the Roma families to provide for their children. Many are forced to go to other countries to provide money for their family. This divides the family unit and makes the child more vulnerable to becoming an orphan. We had the opportunity to talk with and interview the King of the International Roma community, he explained all of this to us in great detail and how discipleship, evangelism and church planting were key in his efforts to bring change to Roma self-worth and treatment globally. Children being orphaned was a symptom of a deeper cause of discrimination.

Macedonia- Importance of Identity and Belonging.

A Nation fighting for their own identity. The importance of having a name, and a place to belong to. This echoes the importance of a place for the children to belong to; a family.  Macedonia is shaking off the ghost of communism and its effect on devaluing life. The value of life has crucial importance to the wellbeing and future of  Macedonia’s children.

Turkey- Children With Disabilities/Culture of Not Adopting

The contacts we spent time with in Turkey, explained that its culture is heavily influenced by Islam and as a result adoption is frowned upon locally and internationally. The result of this is that orphans would stay in orphanages there whole lives. Children with disabilities are typically kept in homes to save face and the same is the case for disabled orphans to an even greater degree.

We met an incredible couple who have dedicated their lives running a non-profit caring for disabled orphans. They also run a factory building wheel chairs, visit orphanages, counsel  families who have children with disabilities and give love, care, help with financial burdens. Sadly the lady we interviewed, Norita Erickson passed away 49 days later. Please be praying for her family and the rest of the staff in this very difficult time.  Below is a memorial video I made for her family and her ministry. Take two minutes to see what an incredible woman she is and what a meaningful ministry God enabled her to have.