By Peter Kennedy
“The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, "Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the LORD. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves." – 2 Kings 4:1
On April 10, 1899, in Augusta, Maine, a private orphanage opened. It was founded during a time when there were many displaced children living on the streets or in abject poverty. Through the generosity and support of local residents, it became a safe haven for children.
Funded by donations from local residents, the institution provided food, clothing, and shelter for 28 children in its inaugural year.
Today, the Maine Children's Home is a multi-faceted organization that has grown and evolved to meet the challenges of changing times. It has a Teen Parent School Program, which is an "alternative" educational program offering high-school classes, parenting guidance, childcare guidance, and counseling for pregnant teens and teen parents. Its Adoption Program places10-14 children each year into loving homes.
In all that we do, we need to remember and to be kind to orphans and widows. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His loving-kindness and seek to be kind to others.
“The greatest thing a man can do for his heavenly Father is to be kind to some of his other children.” – Henry Drummond
God’s Word: “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” – Psalm 82:3-4
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