Big Brother

One of the things that amazes me here in South Africa is the way the older kids of a family take care of the younger kids. It is common to see an 8 year old carrying around his/her 2 year old brother or sister. It is amazing that these children are so responsible at such a young age. Although we don’t have a class for children under 3 for Sunday School, we often have children that young come. And we can’t turn them out or we'd be turning away the older children as well. The older brothers amaze me most of all. I have seen them be so gentle and loving with their younger siblings. They don’t shy away from changing diapers, comforting a crying child or playing silly games to entertain a fussy toddler. Along with the responsibilities of caring for a younger sibling come the common trials of childhood like school, making friends and figuring out what life is all about. And these kids seem to face the challenge.

Although it is touching to see such strong relationships between siblings, it is hard to see these kids burdened at all. My childhood was free of worries outside of myself. I long to see these children just enjoying being kids. These kids are amazing. Please pray for these kids. They are growing up in poverty. They often live in cramped apartments and most things they own are second hand donations. They are growing up in a country that has a 40% unemployment rate and they are at a disadvantage because of their lack of resources. The cycle of AIDS, illiteracy and poverty is overwhelming. God is working in this community and many people are trying to provide for the needs of these children. But there is so much more to do. Please pray that God reveals the greatest needs to us so that we will know how we can be His hands and feet here in Jo'burg.