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MH Liberia, our first African mission, was in operation for six years, from 1987 until 1993, when, because of the civil war, we had to leave the country.
This house was a deeply rewarding experience for all the staff who worked there. The children, the youth, and the elderly were quite at home with us and visited often.
Life was difficult for many people, and often mothers would come with their little ones seeking assistance of one kind or another. The babies readily found a home in our hearts and in our house, and they found healing and new life there as well.
I was asked to share the story of one particular baby whom I shall call “Kate.”
Kate’s mother was not well, and when she came to town, she had to cross a river on foot with Kate tied to her back. The authorities, fearing the mother would drop the baby in the river, went to the father and told him that he had to take the child, which he did. Kate’s daddy was an elderly man who loved his little daughter and did the best he could for her.
One day he appeared at our door with his precious bundle asking for help. The baby was not well. He said she was nine months old, but she looked more like two or three months. I asked him whether he had seen the doctor. He said yes, but the doctor told him that the child was not going to live.
“Did you see the head nurse at the Sisters’ clinic?” I asked. Yes, he did. She also told him that the child would not live.
The question remained: what could we do for the baby and the father? Truly, the baby was lifeless.
We gave the father some baby food and vitamins, enough for about five days, and asked him to come back with Kate when the food was finished. He did, but there was no change in her.
It was then that I asked the father if he would leave the baby with us during the day and in order not to break the bond between father and daughter to return for her in the evening. He was happy with that arrangement.
We proceeded to make a bed for her in the living room, and there she was seen, touched, played with, fondled, picked up, and spoken to by the Madonna House staff and the many visitors who came to the house.
Gradually, gradually, Baby Kate began to put on a little weight and turn her head looking around the room. We celebrated every little improvement we noticed.
Slowly she began to speak baby talk, saying “dada,” especially when her daddy came for her. We prayed each day with and for her, and her improvement continued. The Lord was doing his work of healing in her.
She began to crawl, and in time she stood up. And while this was happening, we Madonna House women were becoming more and more motherly.
One day as I sat at the table doing some work, she crawled up to me, stood up, and looked at me. Then she said, “Mama.”
I was so stunned and touched to the heart, and as I picked her up and clasped her to my bosom, my tears began to flow.
The doctor who had given up on her and the Sister at the clinic were astonished at Kate’s improvement.
What brought about the change in the baby? It was not the food or the medicine she was given. By God’s grace, the human touch and the tender loving care she received from everyone brought her back to life.
It was a thrilling moment for both of us when we met again on my recent visit to Liberia. I hadn’t seen Kate in 24 years.
