Lessons from the Fatherless

Thanks to the newly-arrived group of Samaritan’s Purse post-residents who just so happen to have as much exuberance for Ultimate Frisbee as I do, and the “slightly” broken left ring finger that resulted from a highly-competitive mid-Sunday afternoon game, I have been forced to take some leave from surgery. This is now my third “major” injury (including a self-diagnosed cracked skull, and a severely rolled ankle) resulting from this innocent-appearing, yet potentially dangerous game (I know what some of you are thinking). True, it is not rugby, or American football, but nonetheless, can be considered a contact sport in the right circles. Thankfully, our orthopedic department is currently expertly covered with Drs. Greene, Gaw and Kiprono, and being Christmas week, although realizing that my aging body is not 25 anymore, the timing was at least ideal. All things work together for good...

As a result, I was able to travel with our family and a group from Tenwek to Mosop Orphanage, one of the facilities supported by WGM, for the annual Christmas “party” with the children who live there (an event I missed last year). After playing many games, we heard the kids sing and recite bible verses, shared some ndazis (fried donuts) and just loved on them a while. When I spend time with these children, who have so little in terms of earthly possessions and relationships, yet seem so content and happy, I am struck by my own discontent. And I am reminded, especially at this Advent Season, that through Christ, we are “adopted” into God’s family, through faith in the work of His Son on the cross. Please keep these children in your prayers, that they would experience God as their true father, and that they would be blessed this Christmas season. Thank you for all your prayers and support!!

But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand…. you are the helper of the fatherless. Psalm 10:14

Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. Isaiah 1:17