Beauty From Ashes
Ronny’s mother was HIV positive when she gave birth to him in July 2004.  Shortly after Ronny was born, AIDS overtook her body and she became critically ill. She was taken to the leper colony hospital, the only medical facility within 50 miles of her African village. After only a week in the hospital Ronny’s mother died.  A lady who works at the leper hospital brought Ronny to the House of Moses.  Although we he was close to one year old, he weighed just 10 pounds, was lethargic, and pale.  Given his history, development and presentation, it was very likely Ronny was HIV positive. Even after a month of special care Ronny could not hold his head up, or sit without a pillow behind him.  He was surviving, but totally unaware of his surroundings. 

In June of 2005, a retired physical therapist from Washington, Jean Armbruster, visited House of Moses.  She reports:

“When I arrived at House of Moses, I was asked to work with some of the babies who were having special challenges. One was Ronny, an orphan, who had arrived at House of Moses severely malnourished.  Although he was at least 11 months old, he was still unable to do anything.

I found him in his crib, lying on his back with his eyes open and head tilted back. He made eye contact with me and tracked me to the opposite side turning his head, but otherwise he was very, very "floppy" with no head or trunk control. His facial expression was fixed. He made no attempt to grab at a toy and made no sounds. After doing some play therapy with him I noted he did have all his reflexes and palpable muscle contractions in his trunk. I showed the caregivers and visitors how to introduce "exercises" and play routines.

Only two weeks later, Ronny had gained head control, trunk control, gross grasp and a wonderful smile complete with a giggle that could melt your heart! He could sit on his own, look around at the other children, reach out to touch things in this world, stand on his feet with support and even had begun "talking", using traditional baby talk. He is still behind for a normal 11 month old, but at this rate he will catch up in no time. During the time I was in Zambia we watched a miracle. As Ronny emerged from a sickly child who was thought to be another AIDS statistic, to a bright and happy child of God who is loving his 'new' world.”

Ronny continued to prosper. His HIV test was negative.  Within a few months Ronny was adopted by a wonderful family.

Names and photos have been changed to protect the children. The stories are true.  More Stories >>

      We invite you to provide a safety net of prayer and provision for a child like Ronny.

                                                                        House of Moses