Ebeneezer

This is Ebeneezer. He lives at the Methodist Orphan and Vulnerable Children Center in Lawra. He is here with his mother, Yaa, and his sister, Noella. Ebeneezer is at the center because he is, what the Dagaaba people call, a "snake." Ebeneezer was born without any muscle control. As an infant, he could not hold up his head, kick his legs, fling his arms or grasp a finger. The Dagaaba people believe that children like Ebeneezer should live in the woods where the snakes live and would allow these children to die. This happens today, in 2011. So, Ebeneezer's life is a miracle. He is almost four years old. As you can see, he can lift his head. He can pull himself around on his stomach. And, if you stand him up , holding his hands, he struggles to take a few steps. With care, with "therapy," with prayer, Ebeneezer will walk one day. May God give him the help and the strength he needs.

Father's Day

Today is Father's Day. It's the day when we Americans honor our fathers, for who they are, their impact on our lives and the love they have for their children.

During our prayer time in Sunday School, I couldn't help but pray for those children who don't have fathers. I prayed for those whose fathers are dead or have chosen not to be a part of their child's life. And, I prayed for those who take the time to be a father figure or a Godly male influence to the countless orphans throughout the world. It isn't an easy job.

I pray that God would give wisdom, patience and unconditional love to all fathers. And, I pray that God would send men out into the world to "step up" to fill in the gaps where fathers should be. Every child needs to know the love of a father.