This story is true. It is based on the Bhil Fields of India where my parents, the Reverends Bill and Lucie Milne, served with The Presbyterian Church in Canada from 1957-1970. The Abby Orphanage is where I attended nursery school, Wednesday evening children’s prayer, meetings, and spent time with my friends who lived there. This story takes place when I was about age 8.
John 14:18a - Jesus promises; “I will not leave you orphaned....”
Begin by asking the children to define what is an orphan.
I would like to tell you a story about a little baby boy. He was brought to the Abby Orphanage in Amkhut. Amkhut is a village in India where missionaries from The Presbyterian Church in Canada have shared the love of Jesus for over one hundred years.
One day, his father, who was a Bhil (a Bhil is an indigenous person in India), came to the Abby Orphanage. In his arms he carried the newborn baby boy. The baby’s mother had died. His father, who had many other children, could not care for this little baby. He had heard about the orphanage and decided to place the baby in their care.
A few days later, Ann was hanging around the nursery, listening to the staff. They were trying to come up with a name for this baby boy. As Ann looked at him, she quietly suggested to those in the room, “Why don’t we call him Daniel?” Everyone looked at Ann, they looked at the little baby, they looked at each other and agreed. The name of this little baby would be Daniel!
For the next two years Daniel and Ann formed a special bond. Then one day Ann was told that Daniel was leaving the orphanage. A husband and wife, who could not have children, heard about the orphanage and came for a visit. They saw Daniel and fell in love with him.
A few weeks later, with the adoption papers signed, Ann went with her family and one of the missionaries to the train station. She said goodbye to Daniel. Daniel and his new family boarded the train and headed home. No longer an orphan, Daniel became part of a new family; a family filled with love.
We too are part of a larger family, the family of God. Sometimes when we are down in the dumps, think no one loves us, or feel alone, we need to remember we are never alone. Jesus promised his disciples as they continued his work, that they would not be alone, they would not be left an orphan. He gives us this same promise. He promises to always be with us. He promises to always walk with us. He promises us that we will never feel alone because he lives in us. While we have our own family, we are also part of God’s family so there is no way we can be left alone or feel like an orphan.
Let us pray:
Dear God, thank you for the promise you gave to the disciples -
that you would not leave them orphans as they carry out your mission.
We thank you that we too are a part of your family; a family where we will
never feel alone. Thank you for the love you have shown in, and through, Jesus Christ and may we share his love with others so that they don’t feel alone. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
