09 Jan Why I support orphan care … and why you should too

As a father of nine children, I understand the joy and responsibility that comes with caring for and nurturing young lives. Every child in our family is a unique blessing, a reminder of God’s love and the incredible potential He has placed in each of us. 

I am thrilled to join Serving Orphans Worldwide as President this month to help the organization grow and change the lives of more children. My heart aches for the millions of children around the world who don’t have a family to call their own—those who are orphaned, abandoned, or vulnerable, longing for the love and stability we often take for granted.

The Bible is clear: God has a special place in His heart for orphans. He calls His people to step into the gap and reflect His love by defending and caring for the fatherless. James 1:27 says, 

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…” 

This call isn’t reserved for a select few; it’s for all of us who follow Christ.

As a parent and a Christian believer, I’m convicted that supporting children’s homes and orphan care ministries is one of the most tangible ways we can live out God’s command to love the least of these. 

In the same way we nurture and provide for our own children, we are called to extend that love to the vulnerable children in our world. In this post, I want to share why supporting orphans is not only a Biblical mandate but also one of the most rewarding and impactful ways we can partner with God’s work.

1. God’s Heart for the Vulnerable

Caring for orphans is rooted in the very heart of God. Throughout Scripture, we see His compassion for the most vulnerable—those who cannot advocate for themselves. In Deuteronomy 10:18, we’re reminded of this truth: 

“He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.” 

God is a defender of the fatherless. A protector of those who have no one to stand for them.

When we step into the role of caring for orphans, we reflect God’s character to the world. We become instruments of His love, providing the physical care, emotional support, and spiritual guidance that these children desperately need. 

This is not just an act of charity; it’s an act of worship, living out the Gospel in real, tangible ways.

2. The Church’s Role in Caring for Orphans

“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”  – Isaiah 1:17

The Church is uniquely called to step into the lives of orphans and vulnerable children, reflecting Christ’s love and compassion. Caring for orphans is not optional for believers—it’s a central part of our mission as the body of Christ.

Children who have lost their families or been abandoned face unimaginable challenges, but the Church has the power to change their stories. Through prayer, advocacy, financial support, and direct involvement, we can create environments where vulnerable children feel loved, valued, and supported.

Supporting children’s homes is one way the Church fulfills this Biblical mandate. These homes serve as places of safety and healing, providing not just shelter but holistic care—physical, emotional, and spiritual. 

When we, as the Church, invest in these ministries, we are actively participating in God’s redemptive work in the lives of children who need it most. Together, we can ensure that these children experience the love of Christ in a profound and life-changing way.

3. Supporting Children’s Homes Reflects Obedience to God

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” – Proverbs 31:8-9

Caring for orphans isn’t just an act of kindness—it’s an act of obedience to God’s Word. Throughout the Bible, we see God’s call for His people to stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves. 

When we support children’s homes, we are living out this command in a practical and powerful way. It’s not only about providing financial support or resources; it’s about aligning our hearts with God’s will and making His priorities our own. By stepping into the lives of vulnerable children, we reflect His love and demonstrate what it means to be His hands and feet. And when you give to Serving Orphans Worldwide, 100% of your gift goes directly to the work of orphan care.

Obedience to God in this area transforms both the giver and the receiver. For the children, it brings hope, stability, and the opportunity to thrive. For us, it deepens our faith, aligns our actions with the Gospel, and strengthens our walk with God. 

4. The Eternal Impact of Investing in Orphan Care

When we support children’s homes and care for orphans, we are making an eternal investment. It’s not just about meeting immediate needs, but about transforming lives for generations to come. Jesus reminds us of the eternal significance of our actions in Matthew 25:40: 

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Every child cared for in a children’s home represents a life filled with potential—potential to grow, thrive, and even impact others for Christ. We’re giving children hope and stability today, and we’re planting seeds for a brighter future where they can become leaders, influencers, and disciples of Christ within their communities.

The eternal impact extends beyond the children themselves. Giving to orphan care encourages believers and non-believers alike to see the love of Christ in action and to reflect on how they too can make a difference.

As believers, we are commanded to defend the fatherless, to step into the gap, and to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who cannot speak for themselves. 

The beauty of this mission is that it’s not only transformative for the children we help—it changes us as well. Whether through prayer, advocacy, or financial support, each of us has the opportunity to answer God’s call and join Him in His redemptive work. Together, we can make a lasting, eternal impact. Will you join me in supporting this vital mission?

Learn more about how you can sponsor a child or support one of our partner children’s homes today!