Yeshua (Jesus) was asked: “Who is my neighbor?” and He responded with a parable. A man was left by the side of the road after being robbed and beaten. No one helped him until the Good Samaritan came near, saw his great need, and had compassion on him. He bound up the stranger’s wounds with oil and wine, took him to an inn, and left provision with the innkeeper. Then the Samaritan stated, “Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you” (Luke 10:35).[i]
In Israel, there are emotionally wounded children who have been deeply affected by terrorist attacks. Stop and ask yourself: “How much am I willing to be involved with the needs of these children?” If you knew how closely identified our Lord is with every little child, you would make every effort to minister to them and see it as a most important venture. In Matthew 18:5, Yeshua says, “And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me.”
Children are especially vulnerable to the fiery darts of evil in the area of their emotions. Negative experiences can happen to and around children that their emotions are alert to, but their mind does not know how to accurately process. Something very deep is imprinted on their emotions. They can remember emotions experienced in times of trauma. Their relationship with God can also be affected. These children can have great potential and abilities but still live in a prison of unresolved emotions. They need the loving care of ones who give themselves to see them healed and transformed.
Can you envision children free and restored? Thankfully, the Shiloh Israel Children’s Fund has taken young victims of terrorism into their hearts, seeking to bring hope and healing.
“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
The Shiloh Israel Children’s Fund has made a tremendous difference in the lives of hundreds of Israeli children. They support the victims of terrorism through creative therapeutic, educational, and recreational ways. Many of the children have either had a loved one die from a terrorist attack or have been the victim of one themselves. One example of therapy is a petting zoo. In holding animals, children have seen relief from some of their trauma. The organization’s efforts have been like pouring oil on the wounds of the children.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).
Let’s not pass by or ignore the Israeli children who cannot help themselves. Accept God’s invitation to care for these hurting children. Like the Good Samaritan, the path of loving God includes loving our neighbor and those who are broken and oppressed. We have an opportunity to provide further restoration for them. We also can tap into the Heavenly Father’s heart for these little ones.
Believe to see the little feet of these children firmly planted in the love of their Heavenly Father. Desire to see them come under the shelter of His wings (Psalm 91:4). Choose, as did the Good Samaritan, to reach out with a heart of compassion to unlock the destiny the Father has for each of these children.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3).
[i] All Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible 1995 (NASB1995).