A Fine Line

As he stepped into the jeepney, the first thing I noticed was his feet. He was barefoot. His feet were cracked and were a charcoal color like he had been running through the ashes of a fire. My eyes traveled up his little body as he walked back and forth between people asking for a few pesos. His shorts were too big for him. His white t-shirt was torn at the shoulder and streaked with sweat stains. It looked as though he had tried to clean his face because only fine lines of dirt could be seen. He looked at me with his big brown eyes and held his little hand out to me as I made the sign that I had nothing to give. “Why not?” he asked me, as I told the jeepney driver to stop so I could get off, “why not?”

There is a fine line here in the Philippines of actually helping the kids on the streets versus giving in to their persistent asking of money. Yes, it is heartbreaking to turn a child down (and anyone who knows me knows that this is not an easy thing for me to do), but at the same time, it is the best thing to do. Many of the kids who live on the streets sniff solvents, and by giving them money, you are enabling them and their addiction. It is also considered illegal to give a handout, and if caught, you could be arrested and thrown in jail. It doesn't help that this a reoccurring situation. It’s not something that happens every few days or so--it happens daily. This is where Extreme Response, IT Tender, Youth Mobilization, and many other amazing non-profit organizations step in. They provide these beautiful children a safe place to go to, from drop-in centers where they can take showers and hang out to food and tutoring programs that will help them excel and rise above their current living situations. But most importantly, these organizations demonstrate the love of our Heavenly Father and show each child that hope can be found in Jesus Christ.

If you are interested in finding out more about Extreme Response or IT Tender and the work they do, or how you can help them minister to the street children of Metro Manila, please click on the hyperlink. There is always a need in non-profit organizations, and your love and generosity would immensely bless them.