Comfort The Children

The team was deeply impacted by the ministry of Comfort the Children yesterday. Way more than could fit in a single blog post (let alone a daily summary). So we want to tell you a little more about the ministry and some experiences we had there.

When a child is born with a deformity (either physical or mental), the family wants nothing to do with him. The father will try and get rid of the child, but if the mother refuses, he will often leave the family (and be accepted for this). Great shame is brought upon the mother of a special needs child. Even to the point that those who associate with these children or help take care of them are counted as nothing by friends and family. This is why the mothers making eye contact and having the confidence to address us yesterday was such a big deal.

Jeremiah, the man in charge, has an amazing passion for these kids and mothers. (Hello James 1:27) The mothers bring their kids to CTC and work in their shop, learning how to make bags. This both helps supplement costs for CTC and teaches the mothers a trade and helps dignify them (in the eyes of the culture).

We had range of functionality with the children. The teachers told us stories about the growth in functionality of some of the children which was encouraging. Several of us worked with very low functioning kids and realized the higher functioning ones were once there. This points back to Paul's post on Thursday about God's with-ness and the power of presence. It is amazing how that physical touch, the loving of God's creation, can build up a child. Even though I say child, the children were as old as 21. They certainly didn't look it. We thought the teachers misunderstood us when we were asking the children's age.

Even in the short time we spent with them, we could see response and growth (with complete strangers!) This definitely stretched the team with everything from dealing with snotty kids and losing personal bubbles to praying desperately how to connect with a child who might not understand you even if you spoke Swahili. It was an emotionally trying and beautiful time. One moment being when Ginny was trying to fix a splint for one of the kids (who constantly hid his arm from us, feeling the shame of it). Once he realized she was trying to help, he reached over to grab his own arm to help her strap it on despite the discomfort it caused. Even though this was uncomfortable, he was willing to go through it because he already loved her and felt the love of Christ in her. This was a heart breaking moment for those experiencing it. And it is only one of at least 16 stories going on at the same time.

Please pray for this ministry. They deeply love the Lord and his work. Pray for more places to sell their bags to generate income for the ministry. Pray for more workers and volunteers to pour into these children. Pray for the continued growth of these children. Pray for wisdom and vision for Jeremiah. Pray that the mothers and children find their identity in Christ and not in this culture. Pray for the culture itself that the hearts of these people may change and see the beauty of Christ in ALL his people. Amen!

-Daniel