Amen Don. It is kinda difficult to see my happy bright little girl struggle to overcome the effects of neglect, abuse, and hunger. She is one of the “lucky ones”. We rejoice that compared to others who have similarly suffered she will overcome. Compared to the ones left behind she won the lottery. It is just tough to remember the others.

It is important that we learn faith, but I think the mystery of why God steps in sometimes and not others has to do with the reason for our existence in this life. The general rule is that he does not step in. We are here to be tested, and it is our test, not his. When he does step in, it is because of our faith and “that the purposes of God maybe fulfilled.” In other words, when there is a divine purpose that overrides the general rule.

I agree MCQ. We believe that she was saved for a purpose. I get that, but why not the others? It gives me chills when I think about it. What IF we had not choosen to follow the prompting by the spirit to adopt her. Our family would have missed out on such a dear sweet relationship.

I do not understand the mystery of why God does not step in and end their suffering, but I have faith in Him and his ways.

It is important that we learn faith, but I think the mystery of why God steps in sometimes and not others has to do with the reason for our existence in this life. The general rule is that he does not step in. We are here to be tested, and it is our test, not his. When he does step in, it is because of our faith and “that the purposes of God maybe fulfilled.” In other words, when there is a divine purpose that overrides the general rule.

1. It rains on everyone. The consequence of a physical body and living on this earth brings pain and suffering. Natural disasters, disease are examples.

2. Suffering as a consequence of sin. We bring suffering on ourselves by not obeying the commandments. This can be both physical and spiritual consequence.

3. Suffering comes from natural consequences. You put your hand on a hot stove and you suffer the consequence, step in front of a truck…same thing.

4. Suffering comes when God tries us. God puts us thru some trials, problems and suffering to test and try us. To make us better

You can’t get out of this life without suffering….some more than others.

The most profound thing I’ve discovered about suffering, is “I’m glad I’ve got my trials.” When I look at what others have or are suffering, I’m always glad for mine.

The Atonement of Christ is the answer, but for the children in Hong Mei’s orphanage that realization will most likely happen in the spirit world after a hard and sad life. It is hard fcor me to look at the situation with earthy eyes squinting to see the eternites through that dark glass that Paul speaks of.

I have come to believe that for someone(s) this is an earthly test. They have the opportunity to change the fate of those little ones and they choose to ignore the suffering. This is evil.

I am with you on both ideas. I really do believe that the suffering in the world is a test for those with the resources to help. And for evil to reign the righteous are not required to do anything.

Another point is that while those, who suffer for a moment and then die without having any opportunities on earth, get from this life what they came here to get, those, who grow up dysfunctional because of all the neglect, may be a part of how prophecies are fulfilled. You know, to paraphrase Family Proclamation, the neglect they endure will – in part – bring about the calamities that prophets have foretold.

It may seem like we’re fighting a losing battle. But ultimately the Lord’s people will triumph. I feel very strongly about this quotation from Preach My Gospel:

All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

While we were in the PR China we had the rare opportunity to visit our daughter’s orphanage. We took with us a suitcase stuffed full of donated pajamas for older toddlers and kids. We had brought it all that way to donate to the orphanage. For children in orphanages pajamas are a luxury. The workers there are hard pressed to provide clothes for the day and so nighttime is usually an impossibility. We hope that last winter when the unsually large snow fall hampered the public utilities that the kids were parhaps a little bit warmer.

I thought that I was prepared for the conditions that we might find there. The reality was that the conditions were far worse than I had imagined. We found older babies and toddlers tied to potty chairs. A swarm of flies and scabies mites crawled on their little blank faces. A gang of older feral kids ran around vying for attention and basic needs. Because of boredom they hit each other for entertainment. From Hong Mei we have gathered that death is a common occurrence. That day was no different as one of the babies struggled for life. I do not blame the caregivers who work in the orphanage. They fight a losing battle every day providing for special needs children with few resources and not near enough workers. These people are heroes.

While we were there the thought jumped into my brain, “Where is God in this place? Surely IF there is a God He would not allow his little ones to suffer like this.” Never before had I ever entertained the thought of “if” in my relationship with God. I do not have the answers to this question.

I have come to believe that for someone(s) this is an earthly test. They have the opportunity to change the fate of those little ones and they choose to ignore the suffering. This is evil. Apathy is also evil. I am bothered that I am apathetic to what I have witnessed. My child is now well fed, safe, warm and hopefully recovering from her experiences. China is far away and there are no guarantees that money I could send would actually help those children. I have been told that Hong Mei’s orphanage does not encourage help from the outside world. So instead I donate to organizations that I trust will help the orphans in China. We also pray for those children. I have the obligation to witness to the world the suffering we witnessed. I do not understand the mystery of why God does not step in and end their suffering, but I have faith in Him and his ways

Very interesting

I think a lot of us could relate to that. Why do we suffer the trials we suffer? Why this particular one or Why that one? If we see it as the opportunity to allow Christ to heal us, the suffering doesn’t seem so bad since the payoff is so awesome.