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Abandoned babies in Eldoret, Kenya

by Dr. Jackie Millham Co-Founder of Discover the World

I’ve recently had the joy of traveling to Kenya this Spring to visit our Shepherd’s Home children  as well as meet with our new partners. I feel so moved by these Kenyan men and women who have answered God’s call on their lives to take in dozens of homeless children and raise them in a loving, safe environment. I met Mary who runs a home outside of Nairobi for nearly 200 children. We’re beginning a new partnership with her to find people like yourself for the 120 boys and girls who still need sponsors. Then there are Joshua and Miriam who have a children’s home for nearly 100 children who are abandoned and infected with HIV. Obediah and Margaret have taken in 17 boys who now are thriving in school but would be in the streets otherwise. But the need extends even beyond these homes.

We had heard about an enormous problem with children abandoned on the streets in dumpsters, bushes or just along the side of the road. We have been wanting to find ways to help these little ones who need placement and have no where to go because the Children’s homes are full.  I can’t keep an image out of my mind. We were in Eldoret, a city near the Ugandan border and were visiting the hospital that receives the abandoned babies who come in at frightening numbers.  Since nursing staff isn’t available to give them the attention they need and there are no family members there to soothe and comfort, these frightened babies lie in metal cribs alone and crying.  Baby trafficking is a problem, so the metal cribs have lids, giving them the appearance of a cage.  And they are locked, to protect the children from people who might attempt to steal them for sale.

One little boy was crying inconsolably. We reached our hands in to touch him and tears filled our eyes when we could do nothing to help. I stood amazed as Patrick, our new Discover the World partner, who has risen to take the challenge of opening an Abandoned Baby Reception center, reach in and place his hands on this little boy’s body, cradling his head and rubbing his stomach. While Patrick was making a soothing sound with his voice, I stood amazed as this little boy calmed down. I thought to myself, every abandoned baby should be in this man’s arms! Patrick and his wife, Ruth, also run a home for 30 children. Even so, they feel called by God to convert a guest cottage on their property to an Abandoned Babies Reception Center so these little ones don’t have to spend nights in a locked crib with no one to hold them, feed them and love them.

As I met with Patrick and Ruth as well as Mary and the others, I knew I am not able to do what they do. But I can help! I can tell the great news of their stories so that others can join with Discover the World  to sponsor the children they house, feed, nurture and love day in and day out. We all can do something. Doug and I are sponsoring a child and feel blessed to do so.  Won’t you join us and extend a hand to help these precious boys and girls who need the touch of Christ through these amazing men and women? I believe you’ll feel blessed as you do.