Loaves and fish Ministry update

In His Steps International has been helping orphans and widows in Cambodia for over 15 years. Our team has witnessed the devastation and mistreatment that can happen to the ones left behind by one parent or both parents. 

In Cambodia, the next closest relative is usually awarded custody of the child in the case of death or absence of the child’s parent. This is usually an uncle, aunt, grandmother or grandfather. On the surface, this seems like the responsible thing to do as a close relative should raise the children as their own. This should include love and tenderness, healthcare and education as well as food, clothing and a roof over their head. In many cases, this is the very best situation for the child. They are given a home to grow up safely and a family that loves them! Some cases are the complete opposite, the abuses of the child left in the care of heartless relatives are among the worst treatment of any child or sibling we have seen and can include beatings, verbal abuses, mental abuses, sexual abuses as well as the trading of manual labor or sexual exploitation for debts that the family has acquired before they received the children. These and many other devilish acts are committed on the orphaned and abandoned children that have been given, in faith, by the courts or village leaders to the surviving family members for care and raising.

IHSI continually looks into cases in our community and there are many children in the care of close relatives of the deceased parent or parents who need help. At one time, there where over 30 children that IHSI was overseeing in homes and in Fathers House, a safe house for abandoned, abused, orphaned, at risk children. In addition to the care of children, we also discover many cases of elder abuse and neglect and request permission from the community leaders to step in an assist. 

We have learned many difficult lessons as to the nature of abusive humans and families. We need to help others that cannot help themselves with abuse and neglect that they face at any age. 

Our Loaves and Fish ministry to orphans, widows and elderly is based on the biblical account of Jesus asking his disciples to give him what they had in their possession to feed others. He prayed over the fish and bread they gave and it was multiplied to feed 5,000.  Faith is the key to multiplying what is given to help others. 

We continue to press forward and face these unacceptable situations and cause change in our communities. We continue through the generosity of individuals, families and churches who share our desire to see others walk out their lives in freedom! If you are considering a gift to help with this ministry please visit: https://www.ihsionline.org/donate Thank you.