ACE eNews

Babies Arriving:

Chimfwembei—This tiny little boy was born August 14th and arrived at House of Moses two weeks later, weighing just over 4 lbs. After delivery Chimfwembe's mother was in intensive care for several days before she was released from the hospital. Since the day she left the hospital she has not been seen. We do not know if she purposely disappeared, leaving her baby, or if she died.

Jonathan—Jonathan was found a few hours after his birth, lying in a grassy field where he had been abandoned. He was taken directly to the hospital, and after one week was released to House of Moses. As far as we can determine, his family has not been located.

Judy—Judy's mother was sick, complaining of malaria and cough, when she went into labor and delivered Judy on August 14th. After delivery her condition became worse and she died. Her husband is now left with four children, and is not able to care for such a tiny infant. Judy's grandmother works picking coffee at a plantation just outside of Lusaka. Her father plans on asking the grandmother to quit her job and come live with him and help care for Judy, as soon as Judy is a little older and more stable.

Joseph—Joseph's father died last February. Then his mother became sick shortly after delivering her son on August 19th. After being ill for a week, she also died. Joseph's 16 year old sister brought him to House of Moses. Joseph comes from a very poor household, but his sister loves him dearly. After she left Joseph at House of Moses we gave her a ride to the bus stop. All the way there she continually, and tearfully, thanked us for caring for him.

Babies who have died, passed into Jesus' Arms

Ireen—Born in late July, Ireen was at House of Moses less than two weeks when she died August 21st. During the time she was with us she was a fussy baby, but showed no signs of illness. Her temperature was normal, she ate well and appeared to be well. Then one Friday evening, Caroline, the nurse in charge, fed her and burped her and laid her in her crib. Thinking Ireen was sleeping, Caroline continued to care for the other babies. About an hour later when she checked on Ireen, she was no longer living. Deaths of our babies are always heartbreaking. We do thank God that during her short life, Ireen knew love, cuddling, singing and prayer. Most of all we are comforted by knowing her eternal life is just beginning.

Martha—Born on May 15, 2005, Martha was admitted to HOM on July 13, 2005. Martha spent most of her short life in the hospital. Twice she was released to return to House of Moses, but each time, within a few days, she had to be taken back to the hospital. Martha passed into eternal life from the hospital on August 30, 2005.

Babies Chosen for Adoption:

Blessing—We reported last month that Blessing had been chosen for adoption by a Zambian pastor and his wife. Since they were only beginning the adoption process, they were allowed to take Blessing home for the weekends, but were instructed to bring him back to House of Moses each Monday morning. The first weekend passed well, but when they brought him back from the second weekend, Blessing absolutely refused to let go of them. He protested in loud and decisive terms. He had found his mommy and daddy and there was no way they were going to leave him at House of Moses!! The nurse on duty called the social worker, who laughed and said, "OK, let him go home. He knows his parents." Since that time the couple has completed their paperwork and Blessing prospers more each day in his chosen family.

Mode—This tiny baby girl was at House of Moses only two weeks when a Zambian couple delightedly claimed her as their "prayed for" daughter. She is growing well, happy in her adoptive family.

Babies Going Home:
Musalifyanji—Musalifyanji has become a strong healthy baby. Last week he was able to go home with his grandmother, who is well able to handle his care. We will continue to provide him with baby formula and other food supplements, since the grandmother, though full of love, has very few resources and is very poor. The photo to the left is with his grandmother on the day she took him home.

Other Babies at House of Moses (Introduced in previous updates):

Mary
Simangolwa
Obi
Josephine
Modern
Sarah
Joseph

Jeremiah
Cecilia
Ricky
Emmanuel

Notable Events:

Gift—Gift's father and his sister have arranged to take him home. The aunt was here last week to visit with Gift and decide if she was able to take him soon. She has a small child who is about Gift's age and wants to be sure she can handle two babies at the same time. After consulting with Gift's father, they have asked us to keep him here for two more months, until she can make preparations and until her baby is walking, and then she will be ready to have him with the family of which the father is a part.

Andrew—Andrew has been sick with pneumonia twice this month and both times was hospitalized. The doctors are now testing him for TB. Please pray for health for Andrew, and pray for his father, who loves him dearly. Each time he was in the hospital, his father did not leave his bedside and when Andrew is at House of Moses, he visits every weekend and often after work on other days.

Elijah—You may remember from last month's update that Elijah is a premature baby, with a dislocated hip and frequent vomiting, whose mother died shortly after childbirth. When we had medical tests done to find the cause of the vomiting, it was discovered he had a twisted bowel that was blocking food from entering the intestines as it should. Two weeks ago he had surgery to correct the problem. Elijah is now back at House of Moses. recovering well.

Esther—This little girl is recovering well from malnutrition and has been placed, with her older brother at a Christian home for children called Open Arms.

Kristen—Kristen is also recovering from malnutrition and has been placed at the Bill and Bette Bryant Crisis Nursery, our home for toddlers in crisis.

House of Moses Alumni:

We had a special visit this month from Grace and Mercy and their adoptive parents. These twin girls were among the first residents of House of Moses when they were newborn infants, without mother or father. They were also among our first adoptions. The Australian couple who adopted them has been serving as missionaries with Radio Christian Voice in Lusaka. They are now returning to Australia so the girls can benefit from the superior schools there. Although it doesn't show well in this picture, Grace and Mercy each have a baby tied on their back, African style. Their parents wanted them to understand they were just like these babies when they first arrived in this home.

Sponsors Needed—We need friends who will "adopt" House of Moses babies during the critical time they are with us. Those who pledge at least $50 each month will be sent a picture and profile, along with the special prayer needs of your infant.

When your child moves into a family you share the joy—and get to "adopt" another infant who also needs extra care through a crisis time. Although we never know how much time a child will spend with us, we do know it is our job to help bring each one through the hard times, and into a place where a Godly future can be found.

Andrew has a sponsor.
Emmanuel has a sponsor.
Cecelia has a sponsor.
Jeremiah has a sponsor.

Jesus says, "Whoever receives one little child like this in My Name receives Me." Matt. 18:5