Mama Laadi's

 Those of you who know Ben McNeer and Ben Stanton have heard them talk about being with Mama Laadi in Bolgatanga, Ghana.  Bolga is in the Upper East region of Ghana and is the hub of where they were involved in building desks for The Desk Project.  While we were away from Nalerigu, we made it a point to drop in and visit with Mama Laadi and her children at the foster home.  It was such a blessing!!  She invited us back the next night and cooked supper for us.  While we were there, we got to hang out with the kids and were treated to them singing a praise song for us.

Natalie with Alecia, the youngest child at the foster home.

She shared with us the stories of many of the orphans there.  The stories are heartbreaking.  A common theme we noticed in the stories of many of the children AND in the life story of Mama Laadi herself, was that of being accused of being a witch.  Many of the Ghanaian people believe in evil spirits and witchcraft and often use that to explain things that they do not understand.  One child was brought to her home at 2 years old accused of being a witch.  It's almost too painful to hear all the horror stories she told of these children being ostracized, beaten, starved, humiliated . . .  all because they were labeled "witches."  It was so upsetting to Natalie.  She cried and asked Cindy, "How could anyone think these babies are witches?"

To see them now, you can see how God can redeem a bad situation for good.  They are all healthy and happy despite carrying physical and emotional wounds from their dark past.  They have begun receiving sponsorship from an organization called Afrikids.  You can read more about that organization by clicking on the link.

Please pray for Mama Laadi and her "children."   God is using her to truly change and redeem lives for Christ.  


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