Introduction

It is time the Western Church sheds her rational biases from the Englightenment era, and begins to learn afresh from the voices of the marginalized in the Church. These voices are particularly those from the Southern Hemisphere, and those normally passed over as being in the “charismatic” camp. Oftentimes hiding in the back-corners of the “charismatic” section of Christian bookstores, the most profound testimonies to God’s love and power are to be found. Even more, these stories often take place among the world’s poorest, in the streets and in the slums. It is in these very spaces where the ministry of God’s love is most often expressed through his supernatural power of signs and wonders. Leaders such as Heidi and Rolland Baker in Mozambique, Carlos Annocandia in Argentina, and Bill Johnson in California have much to teach us about the imbalance of our ministries to street children.

Ironically, just as these are the stories of a marginalized people of God, on the outskirts of society, the Western Church has marginalized their stories exponentially, because we are held captive by the rationalist worldview passed down to us since the Englightenment. Our worldview has shaped our minds, and told us that the supernatural things of God are not logical, and are impossible. What more, the momentary times when we as Western believers have prayed for the impossible, we are all-too-quickly discouraged by the lack of immediate results. Our faith needs awakening.

It is time that we begin to uncover these often-untold stories, in order that a more wholistic approach to ministry with street children may be crafted. Indeed, if we are able to heed the marginalized voices of the church which speak of God’s supernatural power, perhaps then our faith will be awakened to then walk out that power in day to day life. For the purposes of this course, Ministering to Street Children, I propose that the principles learned from these marginalized mentors be put into action through a tactful ministry of healing for street children in Naples, Italy. For, “the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power” (1 Corinthians 4:20).

If the message of Jesus Christ is the power of God for all who believe, what are the spiritual implications of street children who have seemingly received Jesus as their Lord, but remain powerless to addictions and uncontrolled behaviors? The enemy has been allowed to steal, kill and destroy the joy and freedom from far too many street children who have sought to walk towards Jesus. I believe this is so because the vast majority of Western Christians are uninformed and ignorant on matters of the spiritual realm. The vast majority of us practice a powerless Christianity that is far removed from the spirit of Jesus in the New Testament. The issue of demonized street children must be addressed with discernment and care. A balanced and tactful approach to inner healing is necessary for any ministry to street children to be effective in demonstrating the power of Christ. However, above all, prayer ministry and deliverance to children must be executed in an environment of love and tenderness, taking care that no matter the outcome, the child leaves being ministered to by the love of the Father.