Why the American Church Needs to Change Its Mindset About Caring for Orphans
Why is it that when we think of caring for orphans overseas, we often automatically think of orphanages?
Bethany Christian Services International Services Manager Catherine Lafler says the American church has to change its mindset when it comes to caring for vulnerable children internationally.
Lafler trains people around the world on how to take care of orphans in their community through family-based care. She asks a hard-hitting question that forces people to reconsider making orphanages their primary avenue for care.
“What would I want to happen to my child? If I were to pass away or if I were to be in a health crisis or in an urgent situation where I could care [for my child], what would I want?” she asks on the Charisma News podcast on its “Family Changes Everything” series. “… I think it’s the responsibility of the American church to think about that on a global setting.”
Lafler says different countries’ care systems for vulnerable children often don’t look exactly like the United States, so she focuses on training people in those countries how best to take care of children within their cultural systems.
Learn more about how you can get involved with caring for orphans on a global scale by listening to this podcast.