Anthony and Edwin. Worth it for One.

Anthony starts his Wednesday mornings in a Parkville coffee shop loft with Mike Fox and some other men.  Stemming from God’s Word, topics are real and free flowing: marriage, parenting, business, finances, and sometimes orphan care. It was here that Anthony learned about Casa Amor, which provides home and family for then 21 (now 22) previously orphaned and abandoned children living in Santo Domingo. Headed to the DR with his daughter, son, and some friends, Anthony asked about the possibility of spending an afternoon with the kids as Casa Amor as part of the trip. He mentioned he even prepared a devotional he’d like to share with them.

The logistics were unusually challenging. At GO, as we tried to line it all up, we were grateful for Anthony’s patience and perseverance. Many have given up trying to visit orphans over much less. Finally, schedules, drivers, translators, and activities all came together, and Anthony, his children, and friends walked onto Casa Amor for an afternoon of soccer, basketball, and pizza with some kids who were really happy to meet them.  For whatever reason, at that moment, Anthony’s plan to preach to the kids just didn’t feel right. So he just joined in the fun, until one boy caught his eye.

Withdrawn and harder to read, Edwin, 11, stayed on the fringes. Anthony could see Edwin needed some encouragement, but he did not know that Pastor Altgracias had been specifically praying for Jesus to touch this boy in a personal way. While a sweet kid, Edwin battles anger. His tough past more than makes this understandable, but his temper does him no favors.

Anthony, Pastor Altagracias, Edwin, and their translator went off to talk. Anthony shared much of the devotional he thought he had prepared for the group. Turns out, it was intended for one, for Edwin. Pastor Altagracias saw the moment as another answered prayer. Anthony cares for Edwin and is looking for ways to continue to support him, but honestly, what lasting good is one encounter?

It could be easy to be discouraged over not being able to see the whole picture, but it would also be a mistake. Obviously Edwin will need a lot more than one visit from a team. That’s not the point. Here’s the point: God, who brought Antony to connect with Edwin, who brought Edwin to the safe place of Casa Amor, will continue to provide for him and show up in tangible ways in Edwin’s life. These “God moments” in various ways with various people in the future will confirm to Edwin that he is no orphan! God is His Father, and He gave it all to love each one. Because Jesus lives, we live. Because He loves, we love. Each child who needs family, each one, is more than worth it.