Fate of the World's Children

“The number of children maimed, killed or recruited to fight in the Syria conflict has increased dramatically over the past year, with children as young as seven forced to act as frontline fighters, prison guards, suicide bombers and executioners,” according to a UNICEF report (The Guardian, March 12, 2017). A UNICEF spokeswoman stated, “The past year has been the worst since the crisis began, with children pushed right to the brink—being recruited at an ever younger age, being used to man checkpoints, being trained to use weapons, serving as prison guards. We also have reports of sexual abuse of girls by underage children, so it’s very grim” (ibid.). “Nearly 6 million Syrian children are now dependent on humanitarian assistance… with the most vulnerable the 2.8 million children in hard-to-reach areas. Almost 300,000 children are living under siege and are largely cut off from humanitarian aid” (ibid.).

God’s original intent was for children to grow up in safe, peaceful, loving and supportive family environments where their parents protect, love and guide them in His ways. One day when Christ returns and establishes His perfect government on the earth, God’s original intent will finally play out for families and children. Notice God’s promised vision of the future: “The streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets” (Zechariah 8:5). These children will mingle safely with adults of all ages (v. 4). For more encouraging information about children, read “Children and the Future.”