(Protecting Orphans & Windows series will run throughout 2018. Each segment will be listed at the bottom of the page in chronological order.)
This series theme is based on the Scripture verse James 1:27 which states:
“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.”
The Bible talks about a specific group of people to care for; and that group is whomever is in need of our help due to being feeble, weak, or defenseless. There are many individuals, both in our local community and in our world community that are crying out for help– but you can’t necessarily hear them. As children of God, we need to be proactive in seeking out those that need our help. Let’s face it, people that are weak or defenseless are not necessarily going to track us down and say “hey, I need help”. Some of them can barely care for themselves; if at all. And some are voiceless.
In an article by Michael McKenzie entitled Caring for the Elderly (available through equip.org), the author describes this calling in no uncertain terms:
“The Bible is consistent and clear in its message about those who are least able to fend for themselves. In the Old Testament, God mentions widows and orphans among those who should be singled out for special care and protection (Exod. 22:22; Deut. 27:19). Jesus continues this pattern of divine care by heaping scorn on those who would go so far as to foreclose on widows’ homes (Matt. 23:14). James even says that caring for widows and orphans are the premier fruits of true worship of God (James 1:27).
Similarly, God reserves special wrath for people who would take advantage of either the blind or deaf, making their well-being a matter of justice (Exod. 19:14–15: Deut. 27:18–19); that is, we owe justice to the widow, orphan, and those who may be disadvantaged in our society. Since it is clear from even the most cursory reading of the Scriptures that God desires justice for all people, His special mention of it in this context is evidently a warning to those who would take advantage of the weakest members in our society — those least likely to stand up for themselves.”
I ask you to join us in supporting these important causes to support the helpless become hopeful and the voiceless to be heard.
Chris Gaines, Editor-In-Chief
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Sanctity of Life Week ( Jan. 21 – Jan 27)
‘Alternatives’ is About Empowering and Care, Not Crisis
Safe Families for Children (February 2018)
Safe Families Strives to Keep Kids Safe, Families Together
Life-Changing Though ‘Faith’ not ‘Fear’ is What Defines Safe Families
Malachi’s Magnificent Lemonade (March 2018)
When Life Gives You Lemons, Malachi Serves you Lemonade
Patriot Gaines 