Bible Study: “A Father to the Fatherless”

Text: “A Father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families.” — Psalm 68:5–6a

Introduction

Unlike Pip in Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, most orphans — including those in Kenya — have no expectations.
While “orphan” is usually understood to mean a child without living parents, the term often refers to a child who has lost either one or both parents, frequently the father, through HIV/AIDS, addiction, accident, abandonment, or other tragic causes.

God’s Heart for the Fatherless

Psalm 68 reveals God’s tender concern for the most vulnerable: the fatherless, widows, and the lonely. He is not distant or indifferent. From His holy dwelling, God acts on behalf of those who have no earthly protector.

Throughout Scripture, God identifies Himself as “a Father to the fatherless” (Deuteronomy 10:18, James 1:27). His compassion moves His people to reflect His heart in practical ways.

Reflection and Discussion Questions

1. What are the qualities of an ideal father or mother?

2. In what ways might parents sometimes fall short?

3. What does the “Fatherhood of God” mean to you personally?

4. What kinds of emotions and needs might an orphaned child experience?
   (For example: insecurity, loneliness, lack of love, hopelessness, frustration, deprivation, hunger, illness, or feeling unwanted.)

5. In what ways does God show Himself to be “a Father to the fatherless” and “a defender of widows”?

6. How might God “set the lonely in families” — both spiritually and practically?

7. How will you respond to God’s heart for the fatherless?

Kisumu Children: God’s Care in Action

In His love for the fatherless, God has enabled Kisumu Children to care for over seventy orphans at a time in a purpose-built residential home.

However, due to changes in Kenyan government policy, orphans are now assigned to “carers” — often impoverished grandparents or struggling foster parents. Many of these children suffer severe malnutrition, lack of education, inadequate shelter, and little or no medical care.

Yet, God continues to open doors. Since COVID-19, the Kisumu Children Trust (KCT) has been able to extend care beyond orphans to other destitute children in the community. This has included:

• Providing daily nourishing lunches for 150 children

• Supplying school uniforms and paying educational fees from primary to university

• Building school toilets, kitchens, classrooms, and water boreholes

• Hosting Bible camps

• Supporting small business start-ups for sustainability

All of this has been possible through the faithful prayers and generosity of supporters in the UK and charitable grants. Truly, God is setting the lonely in families through His people.

Our Response

If you would like to be part of God’s work among orphans through Kisumu Children, you can:

• Pray regularly for the children and their carers

• Support ongoing projects

• Sponsor a child to help provide education, nourishment, and hope

By reflecting God’s fatherly love, we help fulfil His promise to the poor andlonely, giving them not only a home but a family in Christ.

Want to pray with us?