Orphan Becomes A Sensation

I had a disturbing conversation on the World Orphan Fund Facebook page with a woman who was complaining about Orphans. How about the World Birth Control Fund she asked? She said she was tired of hearing whiney appeals for funds over the past 25 years to help orphans created by irresponsible people.

I must be a glutton for punishment because I argued with her. I said that orphans are created by a myriad of causes-- cultural issues, poverty, war, HIV/AIDS, and yep sometimes irresponsibility. And while it is right to address the root problems, what remains are real kids who need our love and our help. They didn't create their situations. Adults did.

Choi Sung-Bong

I think God has a plan for each and every one of them. I stumbled across a story about Choi Sung-Bong, who was left in an orphanage at age 3. About two years later, he ran away from the center to escape from the physical abuse he suffered there. Though homeless, he managed to make a living for 10 years by selling chewing gum and energy drinks, and sleeping in stairwells or public toilets. Choi started dreaming of becoming a singer when he saw performances at night clubs while working.

A turning point in his life arrived when a warm-hearted woman persuaded him to continue studying and gave him the name "Ji-sung." At the time he could not remember his real name. With the help of a social welfare worker, Choi was able to find his original name, and he eventually entered Daejeon Arts high school.

Someone cared and took the time to make a difference in his life. It's something each and every one of us can do.

Choi recently appeared on the Televison show Korea's Got Talent. If you manage to hold back tears watching the clip below, you're a stronger person than me. The YouTube of this has nearly 10 million views.