Orphans Are Loved in South Korea Because God First Loved Us
In South Korea, orphaned and vulnerable children are considered among the lowest of the low.
The elderly are esteemed, while children, and especially orphans, are not.
Baby Box was founded in South Korea in 2009 so mothers who couldn’t care for their babies could discreetly, anonymously, and safely deliver them to an orphanage. Babies were placed in a box with direct access to orphanage staff who would bring the baby inside.
Recently, our team in South Korea held their 14th Arts and Crafts Camp. This year, 17 girls from four different children’s homes in South Korea attended, many of whom started their lives as Baby Box infants.
The Arts and Crafts Camp was a place where they could begin to understand that despite what society tells them, they are seen, known, and loved, and infinitely valuable.
See a short recap of the camp below—
Our team started each day by lining up to welcome the girls, one by one.
After being welcomed, they would pray together. Every child was paired with a volunteer who supported her over the course of the camp. These one-on-one relationships blossomed, allowing each girl—regardless of her strengths and weaknesses—to feel worthy and unafraid.
This year, one of the volunteers is a student in our program for college-aged orphans, the Oak Tree Project. She grew up in the same orphanage as some of the younger girls and wanted to encourage them that they could have a bright future like her.
One of the most impactful parts of the camp was “compliments time.”
When a child grows up in a children’s home, it is rare that they receive personal compliments. At the Arts and Crafts Camp, volunteers modeled what it looks like to stand on stage and share compliments with the girls at their table and the other volunteers. As the girls listened and internalized genuine compliments, they received a more loving way of seeing themselves.
“But we didn’t just want to love these girls by complimenting them; we also wanted to teach them the language of love.”
—shared John-Michael, a ministry leader.
At Lifesong, we believe this “language of love” is best demonstrated through the Good News of the Gospel. This is why we stand by a four-part pledge to the children we serve. The first part of the pledge affirms our commitment to teach orphaned and vulnerable children the Gospel and how to live as a follower of Jesus Christ.
Be taught the Gospel and how to live as a follower of Jesus Christ
Not want for food, clothing, medical care, or shelter
Receive a quality education to provide a foundation for their future
Experience continued love and support while transitioning into adult living
By the second day of camp, nearly every girl had chosen to stand on stage and share compliments too.
As 1 John 4:19 says—We love because He first loved us.
The girls’ outpouring of love toward one another was a telling sign that they had received an abundance of God’s love that week at camp. To God be the glory!
Pray for South Korea
- Praise God that 17 girls experienced God’s love at the 2024 Arts and Crafts Camp.
- Praise God that the Healing House has opened new ministry opportunities to host groups of young adults and individuals going through a difficult time.
- Pray for students who have recently graduated from college. Pray that they continue to feel connected and supported as they embark on adult living.
- Pray for our team’s 12th class of students. Pray that each one would be paired with just the right mentor and that their hearts would open quickly toward their mentor.
- Pray that new board members will connect well and bring extra wisdom, vision, and stability to the program.
Join our prayer team to receive monthly prayer requests & praises from across our ministry.
Will you help orphans in South Korea know they are seen, known, and loved by God?
When you give to Lifesong, you show orphaned and vulnerable children they are seen, known, and loved through Gospel-centered holistic care. Thanks to TMG Foundation, 100% of your gift goes directly to helping orphaned and vulnerable children.
