Africa Study Bible Sampler - Flipbook - Page 85
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—Spiritually, children should be pointed to
their Saviour Jesus Christ through caring adults
modelling faith, prayer, regular Bible study, and
church attendance.
—Educationally, children should be provided
with an education that gives them a foundation
for life and allows them to advance as far as possible. Jesus said that truth sets us free; education
trains our children how to discover truth. The
African church must insist that girls as well as
boys be provided with every opportunity to get
a good education.
We also need to look beyond our own families.
The Shona saying, Ndezvemeso muromo zvinyarare, meaning, “It is for the eyes; mouth, keep
quiet,” does not apply when it comes to children
at risk, especially for Christians. Isaiah 1:17 tells
us to learn to do good, seek justice, help the oppressed, and defend the cause of the fatherless
and the children at risk. What is it like in our
neighbourhoods? Christians should learn to be
their brothers’ children’s keepers.
This includes concern and provision for
the children in the village or neighbourhood.
Christians need to respectfully address issues
with the adults responsible for the children,
reporting crime against children, and speaking
up and taking action for the welfare of children
at risk. “Anyone who welcomes a little child like
this on my behalf welcomes me,” said Jesus
(Mark 9:37).
Churches.
Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless.
Surely you will hear their cries and comfort
them. You will bring justice to the orphans
and the oppressed, so people can no longer
terrify them. (Psalm 10:17-18)
Part of genuine religion is to care for children
at risk in their distress (James 1:27). Churches in
Africa are well placed as the conscience of society. Churches should actively protect children
from evil and encourage God’s way of parenting.
Preachers should encourage family unity and discourage family breakup. Churches should develop programmes to help children at risk. They
should provide homes for orphans, and food,
school fees, and medical care for children living
in poverty. Churches should help rescue children
being trafficked or prostituted. They should assist
disabled children and teach them God’s Word.
The church needs also to address the under
lying social problems that result in so many children at risk. Typical problems are alcoholism,
drug addiction, adultery, and sexual promiscuity,
incest, war, exploitation of children, and poverty.
As Jesus said, “Anyone who welcomes a little
child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. But
if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in
me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have
a large millstone tied around your neck and be
drowned in the depths of the sea” (Matthew 18:5-6).
Points to Remember
• Christ is our ultimate model. Jesus Christ is our ultimate model in giving all children a sense of
belonging. He is the ultimate comfort for children at risk. We should therefore point children
at risk to him. In every interaction with a child, we should ask, “What would Jesus do?”
• The Kingdom of God belongs to children. Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don't stop
them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children” (Mark 10:14).
Children show us the way in their total dependence, their unworldliness, their openness, and
the completeness of their trust. Therefore, the church should regularly remind itself of the
simplicity and faith of children (Luke 18:16-17).
• Children are a blessing. Viewing children, even those at risk, as a blessing should prompt us
to love and care for them. Christians should reject the attitude that children cause too much
trouble and commit themselves to making children’s ministries a priority.
• Children at risk are an African reality. Many children in Africa are at risk. The Bible is clear that
we have a responsibility to care for orphans and children in need. The church must develop
and implement solutions to the problems of our vulnerable children.
• A complete approach is the solution. Christians need to develop a complete approach to the
needs of children at risk: physical, emotional, and spiritual.
• The church is uniquely placed to help. African people generally listen to the church. Churches
must support children by encouraging family unity and godly parenting. God has called and
equipped the church to minister to children at risk by bringing the hope of transformed lives.
Thus, churches need to develop programmes for all children in the village or neighbourhood,
making sure all are properly cared for, introduced to Christ, and trained in the Christian faith.