Adventist Mission

The Value of One Soul

Satan has been successful in attacking the family unit all over the world and has definitely not forgotten about Trinidad. Broken families are extremely prevalent here due to divorces, absent fathers and/or mothers, and extramarital affairs. As a result, children tend to be neglected if not abandoned or raised in single parent homes. Broken families linked with poverty leave children to live on the streets, left to become involved in crime and gang-related activities. If fortunate, a child is able to live in an orphanage or children’s home and be provided with shelter, food, clothing, and education.

After living in Trinidad for many months it wasn’t difficult for us to see the great need of mending broken families and to perhaps one day begin a family or children ministry. Children have always held a place in my heart so I looked for opportunities to work with children somehow.

Casa de Corazon Orphanage is one of few orphanages in Trinidad where approximately 30 children reside. The children live there under similar circumstances by which parent(s) have died or are unwanted and abandoned by their parents. During a visit, the children speak openly about their families with a twinge of hurt and pain. They thirst for attention and love. Although our visit is brief, the children become attached and the need for companionship is evident. We hope to visit again some time in the near future.

Rainbow Rescue is another children’s home where twelve boys, ages 10-18, live. The home is run by a kind-hearted Christian woman named Judy. The day before our visit Judy was wondering where she was going to find dental care for the children. By God’s providence, we were lead there the following day. Fred and I were able to perform dental screenings that day and discuss the needs of the children. Upon examining the teeth of a certain boy many cavities were found. When asked how long he takes to brush his teeth, he answered immediately with “1 hour” in order to impress me. I smiled inside knowing full well that his answer was not true. We decided to return on another day to teach the children about oral health and hygiene and to show them how to brush and floss. In the future, we plan to provide the necessary dental treatment and to gather enough funds to support a special-needs child through school.

The vicious cycle of neglect and abandonment, hurt, and violence is never-ending in the homes and streets of Trinidad. Although the task to heal every broken home is insurmountable, the value of only one soul costs the life of Jesus. Fred and I know that if we touch the life of even one soul, our time of service here has not gone in vain. It is our prayer that we make ourselves available and willing to be used for God’s glory.

Let us pray for all the children and broken homes in Trinidad that they may not stray and that they may find the mending power and love of God.

Photographs
1. Jane with children at an outreach
2. Casa de Corazon Orphanage in Sangre Grande

Meet the Lees
Lee Family, Blog 1
Lee Family, Blog 2
Lee Family, Blog 4

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