“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” –Philippians 2:3-4
Thomas J. Barnardo was an Irish Doctor who dreamed of being a medical missionary in China. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Thomas was dedicated to his faith in Jesus Christ. He made the decision to become a missionary at age 17. He committed to his studies and his faith so that he would be ready to someday serve in the mission field.
In 1866, Thomas Barnardo arrived in London to continue his medical studies. During his first year in London, there was a large outbreak of Cholera that resulted in the death of thousands of people. So many families were devastated by the outbreak. London was now faced with many homeless children on the streets.
Within his first year, Thomas Barnardo set up a school to help educate the poor children of London. It was his hope that they could at least receive a basic education and receive the minimum skills they needed to support themselves. One night, a student took Thomas around the neighborhood and showed him the large number of children sleeping on the streets. Thomas Barnardo went to work to educate and now house the children of London.
It was in 1870 that Barnardo opened his first home for boys in London. Unfortunately, it was a limited number of boys who were first housed in Barnardo’s home. One night, because they were overcrowded, a young boy was turned away. In just a few short days, hunger and the lack of proper shelter took the young boy’s life. When Thomas Barnardo heard the sad news, he established a policy that “No destitute child ever be refused admission.”
Thomas Barnardo worked tirelessly to shelter, feed, educate, and employ the poorest of children in London. In just a few short years, Barnardo had opened 12 properties in London to fulfill his policy. When Thomas Barnardo passed away in 1905, the mission that he established on his way to China opened over 96 homes for boys and girls across England. By the time he died, over 9,000 children had been cared for by his wonderful work. The Barnardo Homes still serve the children of England by giving shelter, food, and a much-needed education.
Life rarely goes the way we plan or dream. Thomas Barnardo never made it to China as a medical missionary. He was sidetracked on his way when the immediate need of the city became apparent to him. Thankfully, Barnardo continued to serve, regardless of his geographical location. Although his situation changed, Thomas Barnardo never forgot his faith and the foundational Biblical teachings of love and compassion he had learned from the time he was a boy. He continued to serve as Christ served and “to look to the interest of others.” In doing so, Barnardo has changed the lives of thousands of people.
Thomas Barnardo’s life is an excellent example of how we can be a blessing to the world when we remember the most important things. When we stay committed to our faith, no matter how our circumstances change, we will have a firm foundation to stand on as we seek love for our neighbors and lift them beyond their current circumstances.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
