While visiting Swaziland I visited the Emmanuel Khayalethu Child and Youth Care Centre. This orphanage is home to children, newborn to 18 years old, that have been abandoned under extreme conditions. The director explained that some of the infants were found discarded in rural areas, others were found on the streets, and some of the older children were abandoned due to AIDS.
The Emmanuel Orphanage was founded in 2002. The founder of the Emmanuel Orphanage is a mother herself and a member of the local community. Before founding the orphanage, she would visit the abandoned babies at the government hospital to show them motherly love. She had compassion on these children and felt God’s impression on her to eradicate baby killings and abandonment in her country, to save the lives of abandoned children, and to rescue the children that were neglected and abused in all forms. Of course, this fits right into Adoption ARK’s Mission, Aiding and ¬Rescuing Kids.
I came back from Swaziland with a very strong, lasting impression of the Emmanuel Orphanage. There were so many children living at the facility and there was barely enough room for them all. The orphanage was poor and the depth of need was clearly visible in the small housing facility. However, love abounds in the Emmanuel Orphanage and it was apparent in the smiles of the children living there. I wonder what would these children have done if not for the loving care of the Emmanuel Orphanage? My heart breaks because I know the answer to this question. Unfortunately, we all know.
If you are receiving this newsletter then, at some point, you were interested in helping orphaned children. Adoption saves only a small percentage of children and is not always an option due to foreign governments or cost. Now, there is a chance for you to do something that will directly save the life of a child.
Last week, this orphanage has contacted me with an urgent request.
I have lost 6 of my staff because of lack of salaries. I have just rehired another 6. They started this month but unless some miracle happens, I still do not have the salaries. I just want you to know about what happed lately. Please help me with anything if you can.
This orphanage must continue to operate. It saves the lives of the children that live there and offers them a hope of a future. Can you please consider donating to the Emmanuel Orphanage? The immediate need is to secure caretakers for the children but other needs are on the horizon. A one-time gift, of any amount, will be greatly appreciated. Also, we ask that you spread the word about this orphanage and help Adoption ARK find longer, more dependable sponsors for the Emmanuel Orphanage.
Thank You,
Elina Filippova