LIFE

Talking Faith | We should care more about orphans

Chris Pugh
USA TODAY NETWORK-Ohio
Omran Daqneesh is a 5-year-old boy who was seriously injured in a recent airstrike in Syria.

For over a week, I’ve been haunted by this image of Omran Daqneesh, a 5-year-old boy who was seriously injured in a recent airstrike in Syria.

As of this writing, Daqneesh survived and is OK. His parents and sister also survived, but his brother died a few days later.

As Americans, what can we do here?

Although I’m very thankful that Daqneesh’s parents survived, not all children are so lucky,

According to a recent UNICEF report, there are between 143 million and 210 million orphans throughout the world, not counting abandoned or trafficked children.

Imagine millions of children around the world without parents.

One of the many great things about Jesus is his love for kids and orphans.

The Bible has 41 references to orphans, notably James 1:27, which says “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”

There are many ways you can help, from financially helping and volunteering at orphanages to considering adoption.

That’s what my wife and I did.

We talked and prayed for a long time about adoption.

We waited for 10 years before we were able to walk through the door and adopt an 8-month-old girl from Arkansas, which changed our lives forever.

It’s hasn’t always been easy, but we wouldn’t change it for the world.

Would you consider adoption?

Not everyone can or is called to adopt, but even if you aren’t, consider supporting a friend or relative who is able to move forward.

So when you see situations like Omran Daqneesh, don’t just feel bad and turn away.

There are many ways to help millions of children In need across the world.

What would the world be like if we all just try one?

Chris Pugh is a web producer and a faith columnist for the Media Network of Central Ohio. You can connect with him at clpugh@gannett.com, Facebook at Chris Pugh - Journalist or on Twitter @CPugh_Gannett.