inspiring humanitarianism THE EDGE OF ADVENTURE

by: Adam Asher

n “The Edge of Adventure” podcast, I have the privilege of speaking with inspiring leaders from around the globe who serve in humanitarian organizations. Each episode of the show introduces us to the work they do and why they have chosen to do so. Each conversation has something to teach us.

It was great to have Yvonne Morgan on the show from Orphan Relief Effort, Inc. I found her commitment to the children of South Asia quite moving. And I found her motivation so pure. I thought I’d share an excerpt from the podcast.

Adam: Yvonne, you’ve chosen to help orphans in Nepal and Myanmar. Tell us about these countries and the needs there.

Yvonne: Life is hard for the children in these countries. Nepal is breathtaking. It’s beautiful and generally cold. Mt. Everest is here, of course. But human trafficking is a problem. Children are often enticed under false pretenses, promised jobs, and then taken to other countries where they’re sold and enslaved.

Myanmar is farther south and more tropical, often very hot. But it’s a lovely country with warm, welcoming people. This country’s history of political turmoil and conflict, however, has created instability, and this in turn has left many children vulnerable and neglected.

Adam: How is your team helping to serve and protect the children there?

Yvonne: We operate an orphanage in each of these countries. In Nepal, we house and care for about 20 children. We’ve worked in Myanmar since it reopened, and we now house about 40 orphans there. We provide full care for these children from the moment they arrive till they graduate from school. Food, medical and dental care, education. We treat them as we would if they were living in our own homes.

Adam: Can these children be reunited with their parents?

Yvonne: Unfortunately, no. These children come from scenarios where this just isn’t possible for one reason or another. These children need a home, and this is what we provide at our facilities.

Adam: What motivated you and your husband Bill to start Orphan Relief Effort?

Yvonne: In 1993 our newborn son passed away after only 9 days. This came as a total shock and caused our family so much pain and grief. It was a difficult time for us all, and for a while I didn’t really know what to do with myself. But after a few mission trips where I witnessed firsthand the orphan epidemic, I knew I had to do something. So, I decided to commemorate my son’s life by serving children who don’t have parents, by protecting them and providing them a home.

Adam: Yvonne, is it possible to take something bad that’s happened in our lives and see something good come from it?

Yvonne: I think so, yes. As a person of faith, I believe God helps us find ways to bring good out of something bad that’s happened to us. But only if we’re looking to do so. It’s easy to get stuck in that pit of despair and just stay there. But if we want out and if we want to turn something negative that happened to us into a positive for other people and for ourselves, I believe God will help us do that.

“The Edge of Adventure with Adam Asher” podcast is available on all major listening platforms, including Spotify, Apple and Google. To hear more from this inspiring conversation with Yvonne Morgan of Orphan Relief Effort, Inc. or to connect with them, simply click here.