WHO WILL COME FOR THE CHILDREN?

A week after the disastrous earthquake and tsunami hit Japan, there is a classroom of 30 children still quietly waiting for their parents to return to get them.  They sit playing games or reading while teachers watch over them.  Reporters are not allowed inside the classroom because they are afraid even the opening of the door might give the children false hope someone is coming.  Who will come for the children?

I can' t imagine what must be going through their minds.  I have two precious granddaughters.  I'm not sure the youngest, who is 2, would notice at first.  But eventually she would begin to cry for Mommy.  My older one who is almost 5 would certainly begin to ask questions by the end of the day, and every day after that.  The very thought of those little eyes looking and longing for their mommy and daddy, asking where are they, when are they coming for me, breaks my heart.  "When are they coming?" I can hear her asking. 

Who will come for the children?

One article said relatives waited with the teachers.  But if that is so, why have they not left with them?  Are they,too, waiting there just in case...not wanting them to NOT be there if miraculously, the parents DO arrive?

The school they are in was in the worst hit area where thousands are still missing.  Officials say they think the death toll has been miserably under-reported. Some estimates are that over 100,000 will eventually be the death toll. 

Some of the younger children had already left for the day when the tsunami hit.  Those going in one direction were probably safe.  Those going in the opposite direction were probably swept away.  The children in the middle age group were being picked up at the time.  Their parents were pulled inside and kept safe along with the children.  But this group of children between the ages of 8 and 12 are still waiting.  Who will come for them?

One thing is for sure.  Our heavenly Father knows exactly where they are.  He has not lost sight of them.  He knows each of these children by name.  He loves them and He cares for them.  He spared these 30 children's lives for a reason.  It is difficult for us to understand why their parents were lost, why their lives were taken and the children orphaned.  But, God has NOT abandoned them.

We do not know who will come for the children but God does.  Let us pray today for those to heed His call and to arrive soon so that these children will know that they are not alone.  Let us pray there are family members even this moment making their way to get them.  Let us pray that not one child will be left unclaimed by someone. 

What about the children of the teachers?  Where are they?   Do the teachers know?  How difficult it must be for them to stay and wait, yet they have not left these children alone.  Thank God for these teachers who have stayed and cared for these children all this time. 

It is difficult to look at a photo like this and imagine anything good coming out of this.  Yet God is in the restoration business.  Let us not be remiss in praying for the PEOPLE of Japan.  It's easy to think in terms of a country, an entity and not the people.  Let us not forget the PEOPLE, just like these 30 children.  When you pick up your children at school today, remember those 30 children of Japan.  When you tuck your little ones in bed tonight, remember to pray for the 30 children who are still waiting.  And pray for God to send someone for them soon.  These 30 children only represent the thousands who are still waiting, still searching, still hoping to find their loved ones amidst all of the devastation like what you see in the photo above. 

Pray and ask God how YOU can help.

HAVE YOU EVER THANKED GOD FOR....

A good, warm bed?

What about just a bed? Many in the world don't have one, you know.

A hot shower?

What about just running water IN your house? Our ancestors didn't have it and there are millions around the globe who still don't.

An ice cold COKE?

Many would thank God just for a clean drink of water.

The home you live in...whether 1000 square feet or 5,000.

Many tonight are living under a bridge, in a ditch or under a tree. They have no place to actually call home. Many more are in shelters or missions because of a lost job and financial ruin due to the economy. Others are living in their car with their children. Where are YOUR children sleeping tonight? Do you live in a safe neighborhood or do you constantly flinch at the sound of gunfire? Are your children able to play in your backyard or are you afraid they may be shot if you let them out the door?

For someone to hug and who hugs you back?

There are many who NEVER receive a hug from anyone...day in and day out. They never are touched in any way of affection. They never hear the words "I love you". And no one ever utters their name in prayer.

For your food?

No, seriously. Even if you say the "blessing" every day, do you ever really stop and realize what it would be like to not have ANY? Worse yet, can you imagine what it would feel like to not be able to feed your kids?!! We will throw away more food tomorrow left on plates than many people eat in a week.

For the USA?

Our freedoms are precious and we better be careful to thank God for them for many of them are hanging in the balance. Our freedom to worship God, to speak of Him, to proclaim His word is a gift many in other parts of the world would give anything to have. Instead, they must meet secretly to worship, and hope that they do not get caught, for if they do, they will be imprisoned and tortured unless they renounce the name of Christ. There are more people martyred today for their faith around the world than at any other time in history!

Your children and grandchildren?

Yes, that seems like an easy one, but sometimes the most obvious things go unmentioned. Thank Him for the sweet, cuddly babies that are impossible NOT to love. Thank Him for the busy toddler who is wearing you out. Thank Him for the rebellious teen who is trying to figure out who she is. Thank Him for the adult child who has made you proud. Thank Him for the prodigal who keeps you on your knees. Thank Him for the precious grandchildren who bring you so much joy and mean that you have lived long enough to acquire them. Verbally thank Him for each one. There are some tonight whose arms ache for theirs because death has snatched them away this year or because they are far away or estranged. Cherish every moment you have with them!!!

So much to be thankful for. God daily loads us with benefits. Today take time to stop and really think about how blessed you are. Take time to thank Him the One from whom all blessings flow.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!!!