To my fellow orphan advocates, do not lose heart. Orphan care ministry has been one of the hardest yet most rewarding ministries, that I have had the privilege and deep honor to take part in.

I went on my first short-term trip with Show Hope 5 years ago and since then, the Lord has used my time there to plant seeds within my soul that I would have never imagined.

During my time at Maria’s Big House of Hope, I saw glimpses of heaven through the laughs, cries, smiles, and embraces of the children that live in the hope-filled house. The image of God is in their fearfully and wonderfully made faces and his fingerprints cover them from head to toe.

I’ve celebrated as I’ve seen children walk into the arms of their forever families. I’ve questioned the faithfulness of God as I’ve seen families struggle with the post adoptive special needs of their child, and I’ve wept as I’ve seen children pass into eternity, never knowing the love of a forever family.

 It is worth it. These children are worth it; and as a high school student, you have a voice that is needed, a voice that could change their worlds.

2 Peter 1 says, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises…”

The very Word of God says that you have been given everything that you need. We tend to look at the gifts and talents that God has given to those around us and question why he didn’t give them to us as well. We let comparison distract us from planting seeds of hope that could grow into trees of fruit, and we let the lies of inadequacy and fear keep us from stepping into places that the Lord is leading us.

 God created you to be you, so be, you. It’s exhausting trying to be someone else, because someone else is not who God created you to be. What has been stirring in your heart lately?

Maybe you feel led to go on a Show Hope Short Term Trip this summer. Maybe you desire to start Movement Club at your high school. Or maybe you want to commit to pray every day for the abandoned and marginalized children of this world.

What is hindering you from using your voice to speak out and up for something that you are passionate about? Your voice matters, my friend, and our God hears the prayers you pray on behalf of His children.

May you be encouraged in your story and in how the Creator of the Universe has so wonderfully woven you and may you in turn use your gifts and talents to advocate for the lives and stories of others.

Caroline Greene