Some 246 million children ages 5 to 17 must work, nearly 70 percent of them in hazardous conditions. (Source: UNICEF)
“And I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness Against sorcerers, Against adulterers, Against perjurers, Against those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans, And against those who turn away an alien—Because they do not fear Me,” Says the LORD of hosts. Malachi 3:5, NKJV
You may have heard this question in one form or another from a child: “Why do I need to go to school?”
So, why do we go to school?
The benefits could include exciting job opportunities, career choices, inspiration, building confidence, personal growth, (and my favorite) enjoying God’s blessing to others through your influence—because you committed to learning.
What could happen to a child who doesn’t get an education?
That child may have limited career options, limited exposure to new opportunities, but . . .
… Have you considered that a lack of education further endangers children living in poverty?
A Scenario:
”Fatima is a small girl, probably only 9 or 10 years old. She is standing on the street in the center of a bustling city, holding a scrap of paper in her hands. She does not know what she is doing there, because she cannot read what is written on the paper. She has been sent away from her parents’ home in the country, and just before she left, they handed her the paper to show to someone in the city. If she was able to read it, she would realize that her parents have sent her to the city to find work and earn the money that will provide for a better future. She eventually finds some work, which means that she can survive. But because she is working all the time, she cannot go to school and get the education that she needs.”
Can you imagine the risky situations that children are vulnerable to—children who lack an education?
Today’s Prayer
Dear LORD,
Please provide opportunities for unschooled children to receive an education.
Provide their guardians creative ideas that will encourage children to learn even if they cannot attend a regular school.
Protect the children who wander the streets unsupervised and uncared for.
Thanks for the education You provided me. Bless others through what I have learned.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
How are you praying? What is your mission to children?
