Sherri Woodbridge

Hero: a remarkedly brave man (or woman); superman; champion; conqueror; defeater (for our purposes we will state this as being Jesus Christ); somebody admired.

In this ongoing series, where I introduce to you someone I know or have met, for the sake of avoiding controversy, a ‘hero’ will fit the definition above and by common sense be nothing more than human, but an extraordinary one at that.

As we sit in our warm, cozy structures we call home, there are thousands, millions who are sitting outside, trying to keep warm. I’ve heard it said and read accounts of some who choose a lifestyle of being a vagabond, you might say. However, I would bet for most who find themselves homeless, they would choose otherwise if given the opportunity.

A few months ago, I can’t remember how but, I came across a blog authored by a guy named Tom Davis. Tom is a guy who takes the call of James 1:27 seriously.

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

Just who is Tom Davis? Here is an excerpt, taken from his blog:

In 1997, a transformation of the heart took place in Tom’s life. It was a time of realizing what things mattered most to God.

It happened in Vladimir, Russia, among a group of Russian orphans. Tom, his wife, Emily, and their six-month old son, Hayden were leading a Christian camp for 140 kids. While walking in these “Fields of the Fatherless,” Tom understood how important ministering “to the least of these” is to our Father. Here were innocent children, who, because of tragic circumstances not caused by what they had done – were rejected, isolated and abandoned. He was compelled to do something!

As a pastor, Tom knew that the purpose of the church was to reveal God’s love to kids just like this. As a “Father to the fatherless” (Psalm 68:5), God’s heart and character is revealed through the love of His people. But in Russia, the love of God wasn’t being shown to children who desperately needed it – so he knew that he would spend the rest of his life being an advocate for orphaned children.

Tom is the President of CHILDREN’S HOPECHEST, a mission organization bringing God’s hope and love to orphans around the world. Their work is focused in the countries of Russia, Romania, and Ukraine. HopeChest helps churches and corporations around the U.S. Adopt an orphanage and make a real difference in the lives of orphans.

Oh hw I praise God for people like Tom Davis and his family. People not afraid to fight the good fight and travel roads that some cannot travel. People who take the call that God has given to each of us to look after orphans and widows. Perhaps you cannot literally travel a road that represents that road of care and concern. However, if you have the means to support their ministry and make it your ministry at heart, go here: A Way to Change A Life Before the End of the Year.

“Your gift supports programs that have rescued many girls from forced prostitution. These programs savedKatya, and may have saved her best friend Nadya… You can read more about Tom’s ministry here: Tom Davis’ Blog

If you’ve ever had a heart to change the world, this is a good place to start.

Other articles you might like;

• February Hero: Parents of A-T Kids