PRAY FOR CHILDREN DROPPING OUT OF SCHOOL (Back to School)
Scripture: Mark 10:14; Matthew 25: 35-36
When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
Story
The three siblings are eating their pizza happily and smiling while they wait for their mother to come out of the “Mom’s School” meeting. It is only a few times a year that they are able to enjoy such fancy food. Often they did not have enough bread in the house to eat every day. Their mother worked wherever she could for just some food or scrap money. The family is happier now as they are away from their abusive father, finally finding some peace and stability. Now they think of education and a future.
Gabriela, the mother, grew up in an orphanage as a child. She endured abuse and a corrupt system before the 1989 Revolution and did not want to give up the three children. She understands that education is the only means towards a better future for her children; education and God. Gabriela told us her children asked her why they do not pray before meals at home. One morning as they left for school, the younger boy hugged her and said “God bless you!”. Starting that day, Gabriela hugs and prays daily for her children, as she learned from the example of her children.
The children now complete their every school year, they have a warm meal every day during school, they receive school supplies at the beginning of their school year, and food for the family monthly.
The mother is part of an amazing support group, which is so helpful as a single parent. She learns how to cope in the face of daily struggles of feeding and caring for three children. When the group meeting is over, the children come in smiling, they hug their mother and the staff.
Today we pray for children from disadvantaged families and for God’s provision for their most basic needs: food, shelter, safety, education and last but not least, God and His love. Since 2008, 300 children from second generation of unrooted, illiterate families, in rural areas in western Romania, have access to formal and Biblical education through MLI’s Back to School program.
Questions and Reflection:
1. What do you consider to be your greatest need?
2. Do you recall a time in your childhood when God provided for you and your family?
3. Do you know children in such situations? How can you get involved in meeting their needs?