Tich and I watched the incredible true story of the bravery and tenacity of surfer, Brittany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack, and, against all odds, truly believed she could do all things, went out and did it. We believe this for the LIV children and their Mamas.
Dudu
All our mothers have testimonies of bravery and tenacity. They have given their all to love and care for the children coming to LIV.
This week, I want to tell you about Dudu…
As we receive the names, ages and general information of each child referred to us, we pray and ask God to guide our thoughts – to show us His chosen mother for each child.
Last week as I was praying over the list, my eyes went to the 2 cerebral palsy children who we have been asked to take into the village. At present they are in the Starfish babies home where they have been for the past 3 years. There is nowhere for them to go. My thoughts went back to the many times Tich and I have said “God is going to give us the children that nobody else wants”. I felt that this was a defining moment.
We have often spoken about our vision to rescue children, restore lives, raise leaders and release stars. Here were 2 children who are unable to give anything back, unable to communicate.
As I looked at their names, Mama Dudu came into my mind. My next thought was ‘Lord how could I even ask this of anyone, especially Dudu’. You see, Dudu had a cerebral palsy daughter who died at the age of 10. She went through the pain and trauma of bringing up a child who was physically damaged. This would not be fair on anyone, but especially Dudu.
Try as I may, the thought never left me. I finally called her but had no answer. I sent her a message and asked her if she would consider taking these 2 children and to pray about it. I panicked and called Mama Angel. I told her what had happened and asked her what she thought and if she would go and pray with Dudu. Angel reminded me about what Dudu had already been through. This was the hard part as I felt that God was showing me that what she went through with her daughter qualified her to care of these children. Angel wasn’t convinced.
Not long after, I received this reply from Dudu: “Hi Mom, I’ve received your message and I’m so touched because I had a dream about those kids a few days ago. They are the kids of my heart I truly believe that!”
On Friday Dudu went to meet her 2 children at Starfish. When she saw the boy she went silent, opened her bag and pulled out a photograph of her late daughter. The physical likeness was astounding. They look like brother and sister. Everyone wept as they saw…
How great is our God who is in every little detail and who confirms His word time and time again. To say we serve an awesome God just doesn’t cut it. We have seen Him go before us and prepare the hearts of the mothers to receive the children He has chosen for them. Each one has a story.
I remember so clearly, during their training, how they said they were ‘pregnant’ and that they would know their children. We are living this out daily. These mothers ‘know’….
May you all be blessed as you read Dudu’s story. We ask that you pray for the mothers, and especially for Dudu, that our Lord Jesus will give them/her His love, grace and strength each day. Fresh manna from heaven.
Together we can
Joan
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