Ryan and I (Rachel) have always loved children and working with children, even before we had our own. About fifteen years ago we moved to China to serve as English professors and missionaries. A few years later when we thought our Chinese was good enough, I started doing some research into working at an orphanage in China. I came upon an organization (back then) called China Agape. I realized that it was not only begun by Americans, but also overseen by members of the Peachtree City Church of Christ. So, we emailed the organization and began the process of trying to figure out if this would be possible or not. Long story short, we moved 4 months later to the (Refuge of Grace Care Center) RGCCC in Luxi, Pingxiang, China. We only got to stay there for a year, but it was one of the most memorable experiences in our life!

Over the years, I feel like Agape Asia has done its best to make a godly impact on the children that they’ve tried to minister to. Whether it was through food, clothing, shelter, or in His Word, I think the workers and the organization have done a marvelous job of living out the truth of the gospel. Like Jesus, they have tried to share His light, His life, and His love with these precious little ones. After working for a year at Refuge of Grace we have continued to stay involved with Agape Asia in a number of ways – offering help and advice, connecting new people to the mission, and donating to this important work.

During the life of Jesus, He seemed to go out of His way to help the broken, the helpless, and the outcast. Among these were children. He wanted them to know, too, how much they mattered to our Father and how great was His love for them. My husband and I too want so desperately for others to know our Father, especially children. Unfortunately, children, no matter where they live, will always be vulnerable to the people, culture, and media around them; there will always be those that want to take advantage of them, in some shape, form, or fashion.

As godly men and women, we must stand up for these little ones who don’t have a voice, or have a choice, and make sure that they’re surrounded by people who love them.

As godly men and women, we must stand up for these little ones who don’t have a voice, or have a choice, and make sure that they’re surrounded by people who love them. We must make sure that they are protected by people who have their best interests at heart and who want them to succeed in life. We must do all that we can to remind them of truths from our Father: that their identity can only be found in Him, that He loves them more than they could possibly ever comprehend, and that it is only through Him that they can find true life.