1. Throughout the entire Bible, God constantly calls us to care for the widow and the orphan. Why specifically them?
2. When a child is removed, usually all of her or his immediate possessions are thrown in trash bags. How could that affect the identity of the child?
3. Do you know anyone who has gone through the foster care system or someone who is currently or has been a foster parent? What has their experience been like?
4. Many children do not ever find a permanent place or get adopted. Yet when they turn 18, they are released from the system. What disadvantages would these young adults have?
God of the widow and orphan, you know what it is like for a loved one who is left alone, in shock, in the aftermath of something so traumatic. You know the deep ache for things to just go back to normal. But you plan in the face of raw reality. You see ahead with clarity and you provide. Help us to see that your provision is enough and all that we need. You have kept your promise of care for us through Ambassadors for Children. Bless their ministry and may each child who walks through these doors feel your peaceful presence and assurance that all will be well. Amen.
Ponder on the Journey
Psalm 23 says, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” How has God provided for you today? How has helped you safely along this journey of the Stations?
NEXT STOP
Your next stop will be the Intersection of Campbell Avenue and University Street
As Jesus was dying on the cross, he was concerned for the well-being of his mother who would probably be in shock in the aftermath of this traumatic event and brutal death of her son. Jesus offered her comfort and security in John as her new form of support. Today, any removal of a child from his or her home is a traumatic event. As of January 2021, there are over 500 children in Greene County in foster care. In the past year there were 334 removals to foster care. The child has attempted to create a slice of normal and a place of love in a life of chaos and is suddenly uprooted, removed, transported and placed in new surroundings. It is a shock to what they have made their normal. Ambassadors for Children, a service of the Council of Churches of the Ozarks, offers security, value and meaning to traumatized children in the form of clothing and other services. When children are relocated, sometimes on very short notice. When children are removed to foster care, Ambassadors for Children, is a place where children can select clothing, get a haircut voucher, get new shoes, a handmade blanket, a winter coat if needed, and even a prom dress for the high school formal. They also offer Project Self-Esteem, where businesses and individuals partner with AFC to fulfill special needs such as sports expenses, music lessons and other activities.
John 19:25-27 (NRSV)
25 And that is what the soldiers did.
Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.
Directions from Ambassadors for Children to S Campbell Ave and W University St
Exit the parking lot and turn RIGHT onto W Battlefield towards S Campbell Ave (1 block)
Turn LEFT onto S Campbell Ave to W University St (1.6 miles) [1 block North of W Sunshine St]
Turn LEFT on W University St then immediately turn RIGHT into the parking lot of Bin Crazy. (former DAV thrift store)