Part 1: The children no one wants

Street children—children with no place to call home—often beg or steal simply to survive. These are not acts of rebellion, but desperate attempts to quiet an empty stomach, escape danger, and make it through another day. We have met children as young as 8 sleeping beneath market stalls, in abandoned buildings, under bridges, beneath trees, or on bare sidewalks.

Every morning begins with the same question: Will I find food today? Every evening ends with another: Will I survive the night?

They are willing to endure almost anything…except returning home.

THEIR SUFFERING IS OFTEN IGNORED

Through our biweekly food program, Julie’s Heart Cry serves approximately 300 street children. As we have come to know them, one heartbreaking pattern has emerged. Nearly 90% of the children we serve ended up living on the streets shortly after the death of their mother.

Many assume relatives will step in, but most are already struggling to provide for their own families. Others abuse or exploit children entrusted to their care. For many orphans, life on the streets feels safer than living with extended family.

These are the children no one wants.

Because they are viewed by many as less than human, their suffering is often ignored. We have watched as a young boy was struck by a motorcycle while people simply stood and stared. Some children have had boiling water thrown on them. Others have been beaten with sticks heated over a fire.

God has given Christians the privilege of showing these orphans the love of Jesus—and 11street children have already placed their faith in Christ.

We cannot replace the families these children have lost, but we can become the family that points them to the One who promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Will you partner with us?