Just a few weeks ago, we had the opportunity to open our brand new orphanage in Burma. In the 10 years I have officially been on staff at World Compassion, it’s one of the most fulfilling projects I’ve been a part of. As you may imagine, building a structure like this in a third-world country comes with many challenges. Despite having all permits and permissions granted before starting the construction of the new children’s home, there was a five month period where local authorities stopped the building process and would not allow it to continue.
The pressure of knowing we had already funded a good portion of the building project and it could be stopped half way completed was overbearing at times. What does this show the children who have been praying for a new home and now have suddenly watched the answer to their prayers stopped? What would we tell donors who have given so generously to this project? Did we miss God’s leading?
I’ve been raised to understand when the storms of life hit you – find God! Keeping our eyes on Him and His promises is key to winning battles in our lives. There were many promises I stood on over that five month period, but the most common was Romans 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” It’s God’s heart and purpose for us to care for orphans.
When we truly love God and walk according to his purpose, it brings Him pleasure to go to work on our behalf, because He wants to bless us and see us fulfilled. It’s also these blessings in our lives that bring honor and glory to His name. These children, although they went through a time of questioning if their home would actually be built, watched God turn the situation for good and are now living in their home. The children at this orphanage experienced difficulty and doubt, but witnessed what happens when we chose to continue to stand, putting our trust in God. They saw their prayers answered!
This process alone helped all of us grow in godliness. It developed perseverance, character and hope in each one of us. God showed himself real to these children, to me, and hopefully to all who read this. It is this hope that we have which deepens our love for God, our trust to continue carrying His Kingdom forward on earth and to await the day where we get to hear, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” It’s a hope that is an anchor for our mind, our will, and our emotions. It keeps us steady.
I remember the day I got word from our field director in Burma that we had received all permissions to finish the orphanage. It was a weight lifted off my shoulders, but my trust in God was also increased. I grew, our team grew, and now we are poised and ready for the next battle and victory that comes with taking ground for the Kingdom of God.
To see more of the orphanage, you can take a virtual tour of this beautiful home. If you want to join us in raising the children who live in this orphanage, you can meet the children and pray about who God would have you sponsor.
