Who are the street children?

The concept of a "street child" is particularly difficult to grasp for most people in developed western countries, since our societies do not suffer from the disturbing problem of homeless children to a significant degree.   Street children are found primarily in "third-world" or developing countries where there is widespread poverty associated with severe dysfunction and breakdown of the family.

At a minimum, a street child may be defined as a one who spends much of his or her time in public places instead of at home or school.   Many street children may maintain contact with home and a parent or other relative, while  spending significant time on the street.  Other street children are completely homeless and have no contact with a parent or any other family member. For these children,  the street is their only home.

Street children survive by begging, petty theft, performing menial jobs, and tragically, prostitution.  Drug abuse is common among street children,  especially the use of cheap inhalants, such as glue.   These children may suffer from severe emotional  traumas.  They do not attend school or receive regular medical care.  Many cannot recall having had a loving relationship with an adult.  These are the lost children of the world.

Hope on the street—ministry to homeless children

Ministry to street children, although fulfilling, is not for the faint-hearted.

It is tempting to believe that simply offering good food, a warm bed, and a secure home would be enough to entice most homeless children off the street.  Sadly, this is not the case, since most lack trust in adults and undisciplined freedom is often their most treasured possession.   Drug abuse, most commonly that of cheap and readily available glue or other inhalants, is also a huge impediment to the rescue of the children.

Since taking children directly off the street into a home setting is fraught with difficulties, we believe that a step-wise approach is best.

Working at first with the children where they live—on the streets—is often the best way to begin a ministry.   After relationships and trust are established, a "drop-in" center is often the next phase. A drop-in center is a day-only facility where the children can take a shower, and get clean clothes and nutritious food under the care of volunteers, staff, and missionaries.  Other activities might include singing, games, crafts, and schoolwork, since most of the children are years behind their grade level.   Those who adapt well to the modest structure and discipline of the drop-in center progress to residential homes under the care of Christian housemother or foster parents.

At every stage we work to seek to partner with local national churches, with the children actively participating in their new church homes.