A Report from the Field: Baby Lucas

     The little boy pictured above is one of our newest orphans that RDM & Child’s Hope supports with food, clothing and shelter. We are so thankful for little Lucas Yameogo and his life. Last fall, a man in the Fulani tribe (the Fulani are one of sixty different ethnic groups in Burkina Faso) was wandering in the countryside trying to find some grass for his cattle when he happened upon  a dead woman’s body and the little infant Lucas next to her. Lucas’ mother had been brutally murdered, with her arms and legs severed from her body. Lucas was lying next to his mother, alive, but very weak and sick. The man ran for help and social services and police were called to care for Lucas and investigate the murder. 

     The next day, the director of the police himself brought Lucas to our  administrator, Constantin, to ask us to care for the neglected baby. The police and social services often come to our offices asking for aid and help to care for orphans.  They know we will give them loving care and have resources of food, medicine and shelter for those who otherwise might be neglected. 

   
     Since Lucas arrived at our orphanage, he has been given some intensive care from our staff, including medicine, food, clothes and love. He is now a healthy and growing infant. Having a presence in Burkina Faso has yielded many such stories, such as Lucas’. Because of you, we are able to have a presence in Burkina, hopefully shining a light amidst the darkness in that country.
     Sometimes the sheer sadness of a story like Lucas’ or the fact that drought and poverty are plaguing West Africa’s third poorest country would give those who live there reason not to hope. Oh, if only you our partners could see the joy of those who receive Christ as their Savior in our churches, or the widows and orphans who receive bags of rice from us. How we wish you could see the joy  of the school-age children as they learn to read or train in a vocation and have a better start to life.
     Our reward is eternal dear partners, you are sowing into the kingdom, sowing into the precious souls of those who live in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Thank you!