3, 5, 8,11, 12... These numbers are not indicators of birthdays that these boys have celebrated at home with friends and families. Rather it's the number of years that they have been abused, neglected, defiled and forgotten while surviving on the streets of Kigali.
It's impossible to not experience feelings of anger, frustration, and responsibility when you find out that not only do they have to struggle in order to find the most basic of needs, but because of their vulnerability they become the prey of sexual predators.
These faces and names are only representative of the tens of thousands of street children globally who share similar stories of oppression and victimization.
Their stories and pictures will undoubtedly create an internal conflict for you, as it has for us...
Please join us in being committed in praying for a voice for the children in Kigali, as well as the children around the world. Please also pray for organizations and ministries to raise up and become a part of the restoration and healing process physically, emotionally, spiritually and psychologically in these children's lives.
peace & love,
Ryan and Marla
"Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." - Elie Wiesel
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow." ~Isaiah 1:17
"God has shown you, O children of God, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." ~Micah 6:8
5 comments:
Ry and Marla,
As you lay your hands on these children, know that the Lord is touching their hearts through you. How I desire to see them fed, clothed, and protected. Praise God for the ANLM Dream Center and their outreach to the street children. May our hearts be stirred to real action. Holy Father, what would you have us do?
In Him,
Dad
What a powerful post! Thank you for allowing us to see (through you) the real pain, need, and anguish that these children endure. Praying for you as you touch, love, hold, and minister to these beautiful kiddos!
Love you guys!
B
hi guys!
Thanks so much for your posts and pictures. it has been fun following your journey.
Praying for the rest of your time and the great IJM staffers...and of course the precious children...
I pray God is your rest and is refreshing you both each day!
love ya,
meg
There are no words to say to such heart ache but I know that these little ones are seeing the love of Jesus in your eyes and I pray that this will give them hope for the future. I pray that you can both stand strong against this oppression and the spiritual warfare that will undoubtedly come as you struggle to understand this. It is the love of Christ in you that is the hope they need to know of. I pray you have the blessing of sharing this with them in many ways. Praying for you and the other workers there as well as these precious ones.
Love, Vicki
Ry and Mar,
Thank you for blogging your journey so that we can be educated through your experiences. Mar, you know how much I enjoy your writings. :) Thanks for the pictures and videos too.
Ry and Mar your hearts are beautiful and I praise God for all that you do and for those that are impacted by your support and wisdom.
I look forward to learn more and thanks for the IJM link.
Love,
Angela
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