Shalom, shalom! Forgive our silence over the past few months! Our sweet treasure Johanna Joy arrived on February 26 (7.5 pounds and 22 inches). The first two months have flown by in new baby bliss. Thank you so much for everyone who sent an extra blessing for us in response to our growing family. We are so appreciative and grateful for the amazing provision!
Over the past few months an interesting contrast has presented itself. As new parents, we eagerly anticipated the arrival of our precious gift. Johanna was deeply loved in the womb and smothered with love upon appearance. Johanna’s first moments were met with lots of kisses, happy tears, smiles, etc. She had a beautiful bed next to mommy and daddy prepared in advance for her. From clothing to cuddles, all her needs and cries were answered immediately. Little Johanna has only known love and security…
Joshua’s life started very differently. His mother, sick from AIDS and struggling with two other children, never wanted another baby-especially if the baby was HIV +. The mother gave birth and quickly escaped the hospital before questions could be asked. Abandoned and alone, dear Joshua spent his first months crying. Fed by busy nurses, his only comfort was being held a few minutes every few hours. Joshua was famous with the hospital staff for his ear-piercing scream. His bed was a cold, hospital crib that changed constantly. He wore battered rags until the nurses brought him clothes from their homes. Neglected and lonely, Joshua’s little heart was in danger of draining away…
Our staff heard about baby Joshua when he was 5 weeks old. Sadly, the proper paperwork took social services another 5 weeks till Joshua was released to come home to our children’s center (MCV). Suddenly, baby Joshua had a line of people waiting to love of him- baby house staff, missionaries, MCV kids, etc. We finally got our turn when Joshua came to stay in our home for a week during the big Easter church conference. It made the 3AM expressing sessions all worth it (God blessed me with enough breast milk for two!) Now, Joshua is a happy, healthy 4
month old with an incredible destiny and future.
It is our passion and calling to bring hope and healing to the Joshuas of this world- the abandoned child, the desperately poor widow, the lost and forgotten soul. We love bringing salvation to the least of these. Our every hug and home is made possible by the miraculous generosity of God’s people. Thank you for partnering with us in SA and continuing to pour out your lives and resources into the work of the King!
