Research reveals that an estimated 153 million children worldwide are orphaned, while a staggering 168 million children are involved in child labor, constituting nearly 11 percent of all children. Shockingly, in third-world countries, one in four children is engaged in child labor. These grim realities are often overlooked by communities, and even worse, when they are acknowledged, there's a prevailing sentiment that nothing can be done to address them.
Orphans and vulnerable children exist within diverse contexts shaped by cultural, political, and moral factors. They may be victims of human trafficking, subjected to child labor, casualties of war, or displaced by calamities and disasters. These circumstances paint a distressing picture of neglect and vulnerability, not only for families, but more alarmingly, for children.
In response to the increasing global concern for individuals with special needs, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has long been dedicated to caring for this community. However, recognizing the need for a more concerted effort, the church has initiated an amplified movement. This has resulted in the expansion of its outreach initiatives, culminating in the establishment of Adventist Possibility Ministries as a flagship global initiative of the General Conference. This strategic development underscores the church's unwavering commitment to inclusivity and compassion, aiming to uplift and support individuals of all abilities worldwide.
The Adventist Possibility Ministry is a compassionate movement dedicated to embodying the love of Jesus by recognizing and fostering the inherent strength and potential within individuals facing various challenges, including deafness, blindness, physical immobility, mental health struggles, spousal loss, support for caregivers, orphans, and vulnerable children.
This initiative highlights the paramount importance of collaboration among organizations, institutions, departments, services, groups, and individuals. By fostering unity in action, it leverages the collective influence, resources, and skills of diverse stakeholders. Together, workers and laypeople alike unite in a shared movement dedicated to extending support to the vulnerable and oppressed, thereby embodying the spirit of compassion and solidarity.
The commission of Jesus Christ compels His people to spread His message, nurture believers, and continue the cycle of growth by sharing faith with others. This core mission of the church is realized through preaching, teaching, and healing ministries, reaching people globally, and promoting human freedom and responsibility, including religious freedom for all, regardless of needs.
The global perspectives and experiences brought to the meeting by representatives from various Adventist regional offices and supporting ministries worldwide enriched attendees as they listened to inspiring insights. This congress advocates for the acknowledgment of the dignity and respect owed to every individual, striving to facilitate the discovery of untapped abilities despite the societal stigmas attached to disabilities or loss.
ADRA INTERNATIONAL
The Adventist Church's humanitarian arm has been producing a variety of programs and projects tailored to the needs of local communities around the world. Serving in 120 countries, touching over 25 million lives, and facilitating over 100 projects around the world, ADRA has collaborated closely with their network to meet the needs of communities, save those who are displaced and neglected, create opportunities for those living in poverty, and find ways to bring Jesus' love closer to communities. ADRA provides humanitarian and development support to people regardless of race, political affiliation, gender, or religious affiliation. ADRA can implement culturally relevant programs and build local capacity for long-term change by collaborating with communities, organizations, and governments. Learn more by clicking here.
CHRISTIAN RECORD SERVICES
Christian Record Services, Inc., a ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America, extends its services globally to individuals of all faiths and backgrounds who are blind or have physical impairments hindering their access to reading material. Christian Record Services, which receives funding from churches, individuals, and businesses, affects thousands of lives every year by providing a variety of free services. These include full-vision books for families, gift Bibles and study guides in various formats, the Naomi Chapman Turner Library for the Blind, National Camps for Blind Children, subscription magazines, and Zoo Buds, providing accessible literature and entertainment tailored to diverse needs and age groups. Services may vary regionally due to contractual agreements, but the organization remains committed to its mission of inclusivity and support for the visually impaired community. Learn more by clicking here.
SALT MINISTRIES IN CAMBODIA
SALT (Seventh-day Adventist Lay Training) Ministries, affiliated with the Southern Asia-Pacific Division-Adventist Laymen's Services & Industries (SSD-ASI) and recognized as an independent supporting ministry* of the church in Cambodia, is committed to furthering God's mission within the country. They achieve this through service-based ministry, aimed at sharing God's love and fostering spiritual and practical growth in individuals for His kingdom.
They also manage the Butterfly Paradise Orphanage, housing 105 children on a 40-acre campus. Additionally, SALTCAM Media produces evangelistic and health-related content in the Khmer language, aiming to strengthen the faith of Cambodian Christians and attract others to Jesus Christ. Established in 1996, SALT Ministries remains a steadfast faith-based NGO, exemplified by initiatives such as the Butterfly Paradise butterfly garden.
TRAIN THEM 2 FISH MINISTRIES
Train Them 2 Fish is an independent supporting ministry* dedicated to empowering communities in French-speaking countries in Central Africa and beyond. Their mission is to foster holistic empowerment, nurturing spiritually enriched, health-conscious, self-reliant individuals and communities. As a supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Train Them 2 Fish collaborates with various organizations and donors to extend their impact, including in war-torn regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Through comprehensive programs, they provide spiritual guidance, health education, and practical skills training, aiming for enduring change and sustainable growth. Their work exemplifies the transformative power of love in action, offering hope and building brighter futures.
3 ANGELS NEPAL
The 3 Angels Nepal is an independent supporting ministry* registered as a nonprofit organization in Nepal. The mission of the NGO 3 Angels Nepal is to serve as guardian angels for vulnerable women and children everywhere: in prisons, at the borders, and in communities, cities, and villages. They aim to share God’s love with them in the most practical ways, striving to be an unstoppable force against human slavery and trafficking in Nepal.
Numerous supporting ministries and organizations have embarked on the journey to reach the neglected and oppressed in various parts of the world. For additional information about Adventist Possibility Ministries, please visit their website at https://www.possibilityministries.org/.
*This organization supports the spiritual mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church but is an independent supporting ministry not controlled by or legally affiliated with the Church.
Edward Rodriguesz, SSD Communication Department