According to Scripture, there are several things that are very near to God's heart. They include how we deal with sin, our personal response to the Gospel, and how we treated the orphan, widow, or poor person in our midst (among others, of course, but those are the ones that immediately come to mind).
 
It is estimated by the U.N. that there are at least 145 million orphans currently living in the world. How can the Body of Christ possibly address such incredible need? By reaching out to one orphan at a time. The plight of orphans isn't just a matter of statistical data; it is a matter of flesh and blood, of personal stories.
 
How we address such need is by first acknowledging that each orphan is a unique life and story. If you are looking for a way to support the cause of the fatherless, you might want to check out this story-based website launched by the Christian Alliance for Orphans called Orphans Deserve Better, where people can share how an orphan has had a positive impact in their lives.
 
An excerpt from the website explains how stories of orphans can really help change people's perception of an issue that is close to the heart of God:
 
Powerful stories leave permanent impressions.  Even far-fetched ones can shape our perspective for the long-haul.  So when a story carries the unspoken message that orphans are damaged goods or that adoption could destroy your family, they can't be let lie.  We need truer stories.

People should know orphans often carry deep hurt, and reaching to them isn't always easy.  But people also deserve to know that deep joy is found in loving orphans-as a mentor or adoptive family, foster parents or nonprofit volunteer. 

You can help.  Join others in posting a paragraph and picture, or offer a link to pictures, blogs and videos.  Take a moment to experience others' stories as well.  We all sometimes need a reminder that small acts of love can transform-both those who receive and those who give.

Click here to share a story of the difference an orphan can make in a person's life.

Jeff graduated from Illinois College, a small liberal arts school, with a degree in Spanish and Religion. He lives in Nashville, TN with his wife Ashley. He works for Adventures in Missions, edits this silly little magazine, and loves to do new things. Check out his blog: Pilgrimage of the Heart.