Shlog Section-f

Everyone has a soapbox to stand on.

Okay. I realize that the idea of a soapbox is probably outdated but I can’t think of a better analogy. But over the years God has brought out of me this overwhelming passion for orphans, orphan relief and “at-risk” kids in the world. That’s my soapbox. That’s what I scream from the street corners and pour my heart into these days… helping the children who cannot help themselves. Every 13 seconds, another child in Africa is orphaned because of the AIDS virus.

Over and over in the Bible the Lord commands us to care for widows and orphans… those who have not means of supporting themselves. Yet worldwide the number of orphans has skyrocketed to approximately 150 million across the globe.

In some ways, it seems that this was a good barometer for the heart of Israel. What does the world’s lack of care and resources for the children say about the heart of men and women in this world? A few people can make a huge difference.

I don’t expect everyone to rally around the same cause.... but I want to ask, “what’s YOUR soapbox?” And are you willing to let those things that God has given you passion for to make a difference in this world for Him?

With Heavy-Hearted Grace,
Doug

I care about orphans!  What can I do to help them?

Not a new soapbox, but a question related to orphans.  Dougie et al., do you think the recent rash of celebrity international adoptions is a good thing or a bad one?  Does it bring good attention to a serious subject or does it mock it?  Dougie, as someone working intimately with this issue, I’d value your opinion.

I think that time will tell how this has either helped or hurt orphans world-wide.

Negative impact may result if people begin assuming that only rich people can afford to adopt overseas. Granted, it’s not cheap, but many every-day Americans are albe to adopt.

I’d rather see countries able to care for their own children in the long run. Most of the work I do through Orphan World Relief (OWR) is in areas of the world where there are no social-care networks. Right now we’re ready to support three orphanages in Bolivia, Ukraine, and Russia.... with a few more in the works. These countries have either no care system or (worse) a system that drops orphans in value down to second-class citizens.

I’ve even discussed with the my board of directors the prospect of having someone famous help us out… but I don’t want my ability to help orphans relying upon the popularity (or lack of popularity) of someone in Hollywood. A solid Christian artist would be excellent… but only one whose heart has been touched by the Lord to help out. Though OWR is not a faith-based organization, most of the orphanages out there are Christian. I can raise money from large corporations that they simply cannot get close to because of their religous affiliation.

Thanks for the question!

Dougie (I have a hard time calling a man anything ending in “ie”, btw), tell us a little about what it is your organization does in it’s work with orphans.

I’m interested.

Orphan World Relief provides financial support for Orphanages, Orphan Relief Efforts, and “At-Risk” children worldwide. And so do dozens of other agencies.... here’s how we differentiate what we do from other similar organizations:

1) We provide an administrative cap. Once our budget has been met for the year, 100% of the donations go toward orphan relief. Some organizations take 20 cents out of every dollar regardless of the need. Orphan World Relief’s goal is to help children. At some point I and a few others will receive a salary for our work, but even then, once the budget has been met for the calender year, 100% of donations received from that point forward go toward orphans...and we do specific fund raisers just for the administrative support so that we can hit our budget early in the year.

2) Accountability. We make certain that the orphanages and relief efforts being supported are actual organizations and not a front for other (shall we say shady) activities. Additionally, we request an accounting for how the money will be spent and do periodic on-site visits to make certain that standards are being maintained with the children.

Most orphanages and orphan relief efforts simply don’t have the ability to raise decent funds. A good many of them are run by small Churches here in the states.... large corporations will NOT give a dime to faith-based organizations. While Orphan World Relief is run by me and the 3-member board of directors are all Christian, we are not a “faith-based” organization in the eyes of the IRS and can therefore receive donations from large companies. While we don’t (and can’t) discriminate orphanage support based on faith, 99.9% of those in the world are run by Christians.

We are still awaiting 501c3 approval from the IRS (and expect to get it in a few months). Until that time, we’re still building infrastructure and starting to get the word out. Currently there are three orphanages we’re committed to support with about 11 more in the wings. With over 150 million (and growing) orphans in the world, not to mention all of the at-risk children, there is not shortage of need… and in most countries, it takes so little to do so much good.

This is what God has been preparing me for ... His timing has been perfect! Christian love should result in action.... Jesus indicated this when he was talking with Peter.... if you love Me, tend my sheep...etc.

I had the good grace to be adopted twice: by my parents and by God. I adopted my son at age 13… the plight of orphaned children is part of who He made me to be.

Grace to all!
Doug Riggle,
Founder/Director Orphan World Relief
http://www.OrphanWorldRelief.org

I am with you with in standing up for orphan children arond the world. I have had a heart for orphans for the last 8 years or so.  By God’s grace I have traveled to Romania twice to invest in the lives of these children. I am making plans to return to the country within the year.

I could talk for quite some time about this subject, but for now I will address the question that was posed by Cali Amy, “ I care about orphans! What can I do to help them?” Where are things that every Christian can do to help the orphan. I encourage you to take a look at the website http://www.voiceoftheorphan.org

If you would like to hear of my experience in Romania or see pictures I would be more then happy to share details.

In Christ,

Smiley