Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.” - Nehemiah 2:4-5
The people’s vulnerability was mainly due to the state of the wall around Jerusalem, which had been destroyed by fire and was in ruins (Nehemiah 1:3-4). The wall was supposed to be their defence and protect them from their enemies and those who would hurt and oppress them.
Now parallel this story to that of the thousands of children newly orphaned in Africa each day. They are God’s children, yet they are defenceless and exposed to many dangers due to the situation they find themselves in.
Nehemiah left the comfort of the king’s courts to go and inspect the wall, as many have also done by visiting the most vulnerable in Africa. Nehemiah went. He saw the true state of things, and his heart was broken. (Nehemiah 2)
Across Africa and around the world, people have left their normal lives to care for the most vulnerable. Care Workers, who are dealing with many challenges themselves, sacrificially give of themselves to care. International Volunteers have left their family and friends to serve the vulnerable in Africa.
Spend time in quiet reflection, asking how God is calling you to respond.