A father to the fatherless

Saturday 7th September 2024

I still cherish the small picture frame my daughter gave me when she was seven, a gift she offered for no particular reason other than to demonstrate her love. The ornate frame features a hand-drawn message that reads, "The best daddy in the world."

While I can't claim that title, as many fathers are likely far better than me at navigating the complexities of parenthood, this simple gift serves as a beautiful reminder of the free and straightforward nature of children to express what they feel. Being a dad is no easy task; it comes with immense responsibilities and countless challenges.

Yet, in those moments when I doubt my abilities, the frame reminds me that love and effort count for a lot. Small gifts like this and the numerous paintings and drawings we are presented with as parents symbolise a child´s unwavering belief in an adult who tries their best to care, love and protect.

I was recently reminded of something that I felt God placed on my heart back in 1991, long before I made the move to Guatemala. It was a calling to be a father to the fatherless. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of sharing this calling in numerous venues worldwide, telling audiences about my call and journey to Guatemala. Now and then, those exact affirming words are spoken back over me, reinforcing my mission.

Yesterday, I was invited to the “Juzgado de la Primera Instancia de Niñez” (The First Court for Children) to present myself before a judge for an update on Moses, one of the boys we rescued. Moses now resides in an excellent children’s home in Guatemala City, a place where he receives the love, care and support he so desperately needs.

I was accompanied by Juan Carlos (photo right), who is always on hand to help advise on legal matters and be steadfast in his moral support.

Standing before the judge, I couldn't help but reflect on the journey that had brought me to this moment. When asked to explain my relationship with Moses, I found it challenging to condense such a profound and emotional story into simple words. Time was limited, so I focused on a poignant memory—the first day I met Moses.

He was just four years old, a small boy with wide, searching eyes. His mother, frail and weak, had tearfully pleaded with me to help Moses. She knew her time was short, only a few weeks remaining, and in her desperation, she begged me to take care of her son. Her plea was both heartbreaking and urgent, a mother’s final act of love and hope for her child’s future.

In that brief explanation, I wanted to convey the depth of my commitment to Moses. This wasn’t a matter of legal guardianship; it was a fulfilment of a promise—to be a father to the fatherless, as I had been called to be.

Moses appeared on a closed-circuit TV system from another room, seated beside a social worker who gently asked him about the people who visited him at the home. With a childlike sincerity, he spoke of his grandmother, cousins, and their children. Finally, he mentioned me.

The social worker encouraged him to elaborate on who each person was. My heart swelled as I listened, but it was when he spoke about me that I struggled to hold back the tears. Moses explained, in his innocent and earnest way, that while he understood I was his mentor, he saw me more profoundly—as a father.

Hearing him express this understanding reinforced why I was there, reminding me of the immense importance of the role I had taken on. It wasn’t just about mentorship or care—it was about family, love, and the unbreakable bonds that form when we answer the deep call within us to be a parent.

Moses was delighted at the end of the hearing as the judge permitted him to spend the school holidays with me and the team, which will be very good for his mental health and broader social development.

Later that evening, as I settled back home, the phone rang suddenly. It was Jonathan, his voice brimming with excitement. He wanted to share how delighted he was about his work experience. This is his final year of schooling, a pivotal time before he goes to university or steps into full-time employment.

Jonathan's enthusiasm was contagious as he breathlessly recounted his day, barely pausing to breathe. He marvelled at the printers he had used to create large acrylic banners, describing them with the wonder of someone who has found his passion.

Amid his energetic recounting, Jonathan took a moment to thank me. He reminded me of how I had been there for him since he was nine, playing a significant role in helping him and his family escape the perils of La Terminal. Together, we had navigated the journey to a new life, far removed from the gangs and daily threats that once loomed so large.

His life had truly transformed, and even though he had graduated from the mentoring programme, he knew he could always call and chat. Hearing his gratitude and witnessing his growth filled me with profound satisfaction.

Thanks to your unwavering support, we have been able to invest in the lives of hundreds of vulnerable children over the years. This morning, I visited the Street Kids Direct website to double-check our numbers and was deeply encouraged by what I found. Since we began in 2000, we have helped 5,285 vulnerable children find hope and a path away from the streets.

Your support truly makes a difference. It enables us to devote our time and resources to parent these children, providing them with the guidance and love they need.

Thank you for standing with us and making this possible. Your generosity continues to transform lives, one child at a time.