A Tale of Two Boys

As I talk more with the boy we consider our son here at Canaan, Isaac, and he tell us of his future plans, I can't help but think back to a young man of Isaac's age we met at M2 in Kampala. Nassar was very eager to talk to me and share his story with me. Never once did he display anger or sadness, but was just very matter of fact. I wondered if it was more that he was simply resigned to where his life had him. It seemed a common attitude among many of the boys and girls we met there.

Nassar shared that he came from a good family, but that he and his father fought much and his step mother didn't like him, so he was thrown out of the home. He was very skilled at computer and electronics so he went into Kampala to find work and support himself and also was a teacher of his skills. He worked at one of the plants and one day was asked by a woman to come be a day laborer, which he was glad to have the chance to do to earn more money, but when her husband came home and it was time for him to be done, the man refused to pay him. Nassar demanded payment, and the man called the police. Societal norms being what they are here in Uganda, Nassar was taken to the children's prison to await trial.

It was interesting to hear him talk of how thankful he was for the food and bed, but how he felt too idle. All he wanted was to get out so he could work with his hands and earn a living for himself. As I prayed with Nassar for peace over where God has placed him in this season of his life, I couldn't help but think of my Isaac.

Isaac has been at Canaan for many years. Although he has parents, they are very old and not capable of caring for him. I remember thinking last year that he was one of the brightest young men I had ever met, and my conversations with him since that time have only served to strengthen that view. He is so helpful here, and has a true blessing in his understanding of technology that has helped Canaan in many ways. He is set to graduate in December and will prepare to go to University next September.

The similarities in these 2 boys are numerous, and yet, by God's divine plan, their lives' paths have taken very different directions. I thank God for ministries like Canaan Children's Home that provide a loving, Christ-centered family environment for Isaac and the other 115 children who live here. I praise him for the Aunties and Uncles who love and care for them day and night. And for Papa Isaac and Mama Rebekah for listening to God's calling to start the home all those years ago. I am also thankful for a man like Moses and SixtyFeet for their commitment to the children in the 6 remand centers all across Uganda, showing them that someone is in their corner and teaching them of Christ's supremacy over all things in their lives.

Finally, I am thankful for Visiting Orphans for allowing us to follow God's call in our lives to come serve both the children of M2 and of Canaan's. For opening our eyes to the differences and similarities and to the hope in Christ that we all share together.

If you haven't ever considering following that call, maybe now is the time. There are countless children here and all over the world needing to feel Christ's arms around them and hear his words of love and encouragement. It's why we Christians are here... to take the Gospel to all nations. What are you waiting for?