The month of May marks the start of National FOSTER CARE month, a time during which there is a special focus on issues facing children in need of safety, care and LOVE.

The world today is such an emotionally charged place, it seems ready to explode at any moment, but

that is not God’s will for His children. Children and youth in need of safety needs to be placed somewhere,

Whether for a short period of time or permanently. Every child deserves to be loved and nurtured and valued for the child he/she has been created, to be.

These children need provision and protection, of course, but they need SO much more.

They need food, shelter, protection, guidance and above all, love.

As LOVE heals and transforms!

Ending the abuse and neglect of these children is everyone’s responsibility.

Hunger remains amongst THE highest causes of death amongst children.

Childhood is a time to play, learn, grow and exploring.

This is not possible if the world around you consist of HUNGER and FEAR.

The harsh reality is that right now, in your neighbourhood, community, even as close as down the street from you

a child might be in need of protection, care and love.

Does distance make a child less in need of care, love or a mere warm tender hand to hold onto?

Is that child in the distance any less of a child because he/she is in need of these basic rights?

Is he/she any less part of humanity? A child is a child, irrespective of his/her background.

FINALLY, IT MAY BE A CLICHÉ, BUT WE HAVE TO

ASK OURSELVES: IF NOT US, THEN WHO WILL HELP THEM?