Adoption: The Ideal Solution to the Orphan Crisis

Everyday a child somewhere in a different part of the world loses one or both parents. The number of children that are fatherless is escalating exponentially - at an alarming rate. Most of these children live in third-world countries. The loss of parents is a huge blow to the children that are left behind - because most governments do not have concrete policies on how to handle the underlying social malaise.

HIV and wars have greatly contributed to the predicament. The former has had a tremendous impact than the latter in developing countries - where the family structure has been ravaged by the scourge of HIV/AIDS. Most parents die between the ages of 20-30 years. Consequently, the children are raised mostly by grandparents. In parts of Sub-Sahara, it is common to find grandparents taking care of an average of 4 orphans. These elderly people are given life-long parenting careers. They first raise their children - and thereafter - their children's children. Sadly, these people are usually impecunious because they lack skills and an education. It is catch-22 for the orphans that are left behind. The chances of ever coming out of the doldrums of poverty are almost zero.

The loss of parents can be a sentence for many kids. The children are robbed of the privilege of having a safe haven they can call home. The auspice that every child deserves from loving parents vanishes beyond the grasp of the child. The frustration that comes with hopelessness renders many venerable to activities that may jeopardize the little hope of existence that the children may have.

Every child deserves a home. If many people would consider adoption, the world would not have as many orphans as there are right now - 143 million of them. If this population was a country, it would be the ninth most populous country in the world. It is quite an enormous number indeed. However, for those that have done basic math, you know that when you divide a big number by a bigger number, the answer is 0 point something. For example if we divide 10/100 we get 0.1.

143 000 000 / infinity = 0.. infinity is any number bigger than 143million

Notice that we can never have 0 point something people. People are whole numbers. The point for this is - if most of the people in the world were to consider being part of the solution to this malaise, it would be eradicated in no time. From the simple math expression, engaging just slightly over 143 million people would solve the problem. There is roughly close to 7 billion people on the planet right now. 143 million is just roughly about 2% of the world's population. Surely, there are enough people that can rally behind this cause and take many children out of this excruciating quandary.

Every church should have an orphan care and adoption ministry. James could not have said it any better than when he said, in the seventeenth verse - of the first chapter - in the bible, " A religion that is pure and stainless in the sight of God the Father is this: to take care of orphans and widows in their suffering." In addition, Jesus said, "there is no greater love than to lay down your life for somebody else." The church holds a pro life position - adoption has to be the sentiment that emerges when the rubber hits the road - the pro life message will be much louder.

Giving a child a place to call home is one of the best ways people can be a part of being a solution to the problem. Realistically, it is not possible for all the orphans to be adopted but at least it makes a difference for those who get to be adopted. Foster homes and group homes play an important role as alternatives for homeless children; however, there is no substitute for a home environment - ideally with a mom and dad present.

A lot of kids in foster homes and orphanages look forward to a moment when they can have a place to call home. Unfortunately, this dream is never realized by kids who never get adopted. In third world countries, the situation in even more heart-wrenching because many countries do not even have a foster care system - meaning the children have to survive on the streets whichever way they can.

Many might not be in a position to adopt - but there are many ways that people can help facilitate adoptions. People can give to organizations that help with the adoption process. Others can also give to a family that is considering adoption. There are many ways that this problem can be solved, but none of the solutions has an impact on orphans more than giving them a home - a place where they know they are loved unconditionally.