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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Prosperity (05/11/06)
He squats under the table as only a four year old knows how, totally oblivious to the businessmen sitting in chairs above him. So focused is he on his empty stomach and the fallen bits of food, he doesn’t notice glossy black shoes that don’t move out of his way; a common sight at the outside cafés in North Korea. Children here know nothing of Prosperity, but Prosperity knows them – and ignores them.

***

Liquid brown eyes look up at the man in front of her. She smiles tentatively – hungry and tired. Precious. She dare not cry or whimper; her Cambodian caretakers know how to inflict the kind of pain that does not show. He desires young soft skin; not bruised, cut skin. Prosperity enjoys the wealth from her innocence as it feeds a lust never satisfied. She lowers her eyes and takes his hand.

***

Shivering bodies of all ages huddle together to keep warm in the sewer tunnels that open to the streets of Bulgaria. Bitter nights mean snow and frost. Stench and disease are the least of their worries for the night. The lucky ones are those close to the open-way where gas fumes of passing cars fill their lungs. Prosperity walks by daunting eyes of ashen faces while enjoying the warmth of fur-lined coats on their way to dinner.

***

Babies cry no more. They have learned no one is there. They know not a hug or a cuddle in this Romanian Orphanage of cribs and cages – cribs and cages they will never leave. No sun on their faces, no breeze on their skin, no fragrance of wildflowers in the spring … no music. Prosperity has better things to do than care for the abandoned and disabled. It is silent in this building of forgotten children. They don’t know how to laugh or play.

***

‘I don’t want to go home!’ cries one more child, afraid. Against stern advocate advice, American courts have ordered him back to a home that resents his intrusion but welcomes government benefits as long as he lives there. Life drains all hope, and tears unexpectedly rush down his cheeks. Boys aren’t supposed to cry, but he knows the routine so well. Home, beatings, foster care – Why can’t they see it too? I’m so scared! Two weeks later, he dies at the hands of a man that doesn’t want him around, anymore. Prosperity diverts funds to more worthy causes with even more government benefits.

***

The camera lens zooms in for a shot, capturing a dog lying on the streets of Bombay. It is feeding one lone suckling as she tries to survive her own malnutrition. The picture makes a good front-page story. A closer look at the hungry bundle reveals a tiny child receiving milk from this mother dog. Prosperity turns the page and goes on to the next story.

***

Suffer the little children?

‘Yes … they do.’

But, where Prosperity has ignored or exploited the innocent and helpless, God has raised men, women and families to fight their fight. Through these brave champions, I can hold these children; I can feed them, keep them safe, give them a warm bed … show them love. Rescue them. The impossible made possible through love, obedience and sacrifice.

If there is a lingering burden that continues to grip your heart, may I encourage you to search and pray for the organizations God longs to work with through you. Many international and local organizations pray for support to continue the battles for all children. The fields of desperate little ones are many.

Thank you for reading their stories – the Angel Faces of this world.



Matthew 18:10 "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father in heaven. (NIV)
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This article has been read 1942 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Marilyn Schnepp 
05/19/06
Lack of prosperity is a world wide problem; however, I suggest you might find more interest for your Advertisement in the Message Boards of FW. The entry is well written, however, and thank you for sharing.
Melanie Page
05/19/06
I agree with the previous comment that the above article is well written, but I will go further. I have read through a lot of articles where people talk about the unseen prosperity of a loving, God-fearing home and that great.
But while we are caught up in finding the prosperity in our own lives, we forget that God prospers us for a reason.
I am glad that the author shared this. It has a challenge that we need to hear everyday.
Lynda Schultz 
05/19/06
Yes, thank you for sharing your vision. This might not be a "genre" in the established sense, but it's a story that needs telling and I think you did a good job at it.
Peter Thomas
05/20/06
I very relevant piece of creative literature. Excellent.
terri tiffany
05/20/06
well written informational piece. Touches the heart and reminds us of needs we don't often see. Nice job!
Jessica Schmit
05/22/06
Pat,

This is well written (as always) and a beautful account of a heart wrenching truthful tale. I've seen this and you wrote about it truthfully. You spared no expense. I loved the passion of this piece and congrats for writing such a troubling, horrific piece. I hope everyone will read this one. My friend got home from Sri Lanka last week and was talking about the homeless families sleeping in tents on the beach where the wave struck over a year ago. She talked about the poverty, yet the thankfulness that they have and I was reminded once again how our problems here are so minimul compared with those in other countries. Very good reminder Pat. Great!
Rachel Rudd
05/22/06
Pat,
This is an excellent entry. I'm glad that you entered it and that you hinted. It is a difficult read, but it is a well-written reminder of the ones we are called to care for. Whenever I see pictures of these little ones, my heart aches for them. With your words you painted a picture of them with. Once again, I'm reminded how I want to take care of them. I think that might I can sponsor a child... something...
Anyway, thank you for sharing.
Jan Ackerson
05/22/06
I wouldn't change a word! The most effective thing here is your personification of Prosperity...this is a lump-in-the-throat read, enhanced by your awesome writing talents.
Joanne Malley
05/23/06
A true writer writes from the heart - which you have done so effectively. Though extremely sad, it is a painful truth of this world. Great job, Pat. You dug right in! It's often in reading/seeing painful truths of this world that sparks those who have prosperity to do something about it. :) Jo
Lynda Lee Schab 
05/23/06
Pat, I don't see this as an advertisement at all! We should never grow numb at reading stories or articles like this. I loved the angle you took and the slant of this piece. You asked for ending suggestions. Here is my humble offering: maybe you could write another snippet about how American children take their own prosperity for granted. These days, kids think they lack prosperity if they don't have the latest Video Game system. My own kids are guilty of this. We really don't have a clue how blessed we are. By comparing what we think of as prosperity to what prosperity really is, would drive your point home even further and possibly convict many who need conviction. Just a suggestion. Regardless, I'd love to see this piece published somewhere. In my opinion, your writing keeps getting better and better. Keep up the great work! Blessings, Lynda
Laurie Glass 
05/23/06
What a unique piece! You've done a great job here at conveying a very important message.
Linda Watson Owen
05/23/06
Pat, in this piece you are a master portrait artist. The reality of the tortured angel faces here is gripping and demanding. No one can read this and simply walk away without the eyes of God calling that one to accountability! We must act as a church and as individuals to be God's hands and heart to these little ones! Thank you, friend, for this extraordinary piece!
Val Clark
05/23/06
A graphic piece of honest reporting. Not an easy task to undertake but you did so with the courage of your convictions. Excellent!
Anita Neuman
05/23/06
God bless you for bringing attention to this world-wide tragedy. I hope that the picture you've painted stays in the mind of every reader and compels them to action. Great job, Pat!
Sherril Wendling
05/23/06
Thank you for being their voice, and such an eloquent, impassioned one! I'm sending this to my niece in Galati, Romania, where she and her team cover many street children with God's love-wings. Praises to God for raising up the voice of a true servant!
Dr. Sharon Schuetz
05/23/06
Beautifully written. You captured a part of life that most of us rarely think about. Thank you.
Edy T Johnson
05/23/06
Such compelling writing; such a compelling subject! You pulled emotion from the depths of my heart. What one person is able to do seems like so little, and yet that is the only way. This is flawless, in my view, and ready for the publisher. God bless your writing!
Amy Michelle Wiley 
05/24/06
Wow. This was very powerfully written. Beautiful, gutwrenching, tearjerking, tender... Thank you.
Beth Muehlhausen
05/25/06
These seemingly random snippets say more than any single report - they make the issue a global (human kind) thing that transcends geography, race, culture. You've done a thorough and descriptive job with your reporting, and in a way that touches the soul and spirit of the reader. Great job with a tough subject!

Cassie Memmer
05/25/06
Such a sad subject, yet told so eloquently. Almost poetic. And very brave to take a stand and challenge others too also. Beautifully written. We hear your heart's cry. God bless you and all the angels you reach with this cry.
terri tiffany
05/25/06
Woo hoo Pat!! You did it!! I knew you would! This was great! I'll be missing you!
Joanne Malley
05/25/06
Congrats on a well-deserved win! Loved it!
Suzanne R
05/25/06
I hate this piece. I detest it because it rings so true and describes a situation which is incredibly unjust and very wrong.

The strength of my reaction, though, is a compliment to the author. May this piece be powerfully used to draw attention the injustice in the world, and may it provoke action.
Helen Paynter
05/25/06
COngratulations, Pat. This is brilliantly, powerfully, gut-wrenchingly written
Rachel Rudd
05/25/06
Congratulations on your win. This piece definitely deserves to be published. I hope it spurs people on to action!

Love,
Rachel
darlene hight
05/25/06
Congratulations Patty! This is an awesome...powerful peace. You certainly deserve to move up to the big leagues :)

Darlene
Crista Darr
05/25/06
What a heartwrenching, powerful, inspired work! I believe with all my heart that God will use this piece to save mutlitudes of those hurting children.
Sherril Wendling
05/26/06
Congratulations, Pat! This win is shared by the entire body of Christ. May your faithful, mighty pen blaze ever hotter from your new level of honor! Yippeeee!!!!
LaNaye Perkins
05/06/09
Pat, this was so passionate, and well written. I love the way you capture the heart of your readers with the emotion and passion of your writing. Well Done my FaithWriter friend. love and many hugs, Naye