Happy, Happy Children

Luke 18:16-17 (NKJV) “But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”

Excitement rushed through my heart. It was the day we see the river children in Iligan City, Philippines. Words had reached me about how wonderful they are. Now I would see for myself. So here we go walking down the street and turn into the path from the road leading to the river’s edge under the bridge.

The children had somehow heard I was coming to see them and were getting silly excited. Upon seeing the sea of faces, I felt my face flush and my tear ducts fill. But I was determines that I laugh with them and not weep.

Their leaders were ladies from the church through whom we support and feed these children. They corralled the children into groups where they sang to us some Christian songs. I will never forget their joyful faces at that moment.

Our visit was timed to be with the children when they were fed. Their leaders had this huge cooking pot full of rice and bits of chicken. The pot was sitting on some rocks from the river’s edge. Between those rocks, a hot fire was burning. The meal was almost ready.

Each child was given a small cup into which they would receive their meal. Their faces glowed with excitement.

One by one, the children came by the pot and received their portion. First, they were given some thin rice soup into their cup. Then the worker fished around for a very small bit of chicken that would be added to their cup. Some of the pieces were so small that I motioned to the leader to please give them another small piece of chicken.  At which time the child caught my glance and grinned broadly.

We were told this would be their only meal that day. I wept, turning my face away.

For our sponsored children and their siblings, we want to give them two of these meals a day for the five school day plus Saturday. There are over 600 children and when you add their siblings, the total is rather large.

With these two tiny meals a day, the children are able to learn in school. With these meals, a good education, their assigned pastors and caring sponsors we intend to transform the nation of the Philippines from a beggar nation to a blessed nation who helps other nations.

These poor children need you. Would you pray about it? Feed Hungry Children.