By Bradley Burck-
When I go to Guatemala the first place I go to visit is House 5 to see the special needs children. One of the children my wife and I have made it a point to sponsor – his name is Alex. I also love Efrain and Miguel.
Here's what is special about these children – God LOVES them. Each one of them is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). And God has a plan for them, and has provided a place for them to call home.
When God commanded the people of Israel as to how they were to treat their neighbors, He said to them:
“Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this.” –Deuteronomy 24:17-18
That command was highlighted even more in James 1:27:
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
God loves children and orphans, and has a place in his heart for those who cannot care for themselves. Much like these special kids at Dorie’s Promise, we were once helpless and sick… but it was because of our sin. Even so, God had compassion on us in our helplessness, took us in, and gave us a new life full of love and hope through Jesus Christ.
Being a sponsor is an opportunity to love these kids just like Jesus loves us! That’s why it’s so incredible to be able to get to know these children…
Alex is a 16-year-old boy with a strong, wonderful personality and a great sense of humor. Although Alex is one of the healthiest in the group, he has cerebral palsy. Because of his disease, he has limited ability to move his body intentionally, and is completely dependent on his caregivers for his day-to-day needs. Even though he can’t speak, he is a sensitive boy with a ready smile. When he sees his nurse, Mirna Yuman, he laughs and laughs.
Efrain is just as wonderful. He has been at Dorie’s Promise since he was one year old, and now he is eight! Although he is developmentally delayed and nearly blind due to eye disease, he is one of the happiest kids you will ever meet. His favorite things are taking baths and sleeping in—and dessert!
Miguel is another precious little boy who lives in House 5—when you meet him, you quickly find out that he loves to sing! His favorite time is when we sing worship songs, and loves to be a part of devotionals. He came to Dorie’s Promise at three months old, and is now five. He walks, explores, and learns despite a structural defect in his brain that has left him developmentally delayed. Miguel is a little miracle!
Visiting, knowing, and having the opportunity to sponsor Alex has been an invaluable blessing to my wife and me. I couldn’t begin to describe it! I can only invite you to come and meet these kids, and see how precious they are firsthand. Come and see Alex’s big smile, sing songs with these kids, read to them – you will be forever changed.
God has called us to love little ones just like these, who are helpless and cannot care for themselves. For that reason, I also want to invite you to consider sponsorship. These kids have many needs beyond just food, shelter, and love – they need special medical attention to address their complicated needs.
You gotta see these kids! When you do, you won’t be the same! They will touch your heart in a big way.