Brousse Daniel is the twin brother of Max Timothy. After a traumatic birth, their mother passed away from bleeding. This happens far too often and contributes to the large number of orphaned children in Congo. Neighbors quickly jumped on motorcycles and traveled throughout the night, 115 kilometers, on very rough dirt roads to reach Mama Sabuli’s Children’s Center, the only place of refuge for these two. The father stayed back home in his village to bury his wife, and was unable to care for the newborns without milk. The twins arrived at the Children’s Center, not even one day old, with head colds. They were immediately bathed, fed, and soothed by the mamas at the Center. Their many new siblings came to welcome them and hold them. They will now grow up with lots of older brothers and sisters who will love and look after them.

THE HOPE

In some situations like this, Sabuli’s prayer and hope is to bring these babies to good health, and to a point where they no longer need milk on a regular basis. The hope is to have them rejoin their father and/or extended family again. Each situation is evaluated carefully and prayerfully. 

FUTURE PLANS

Sabuli is working on a long-term solution to the tragic and recurring problem of young women dying in childbirth from PPH (Post-Partum Hemorrhage). This is the leading cause of maternal death. There is no easy solution for this currently in Congo and most developing countries. When a young mother dies in childbirth, not only does the newborn lose their mother, but there are often other children at home who are then at risk of becoming orphans. 

HELP IS ON THE WAY - UBT

Along with Congolese physicians, Dr. Ngossa and Dr. Kangawa, and USA physician Dr. Sam Choi, Sabuli is bringing a UBT solution (Uterine Balloon Tamponade) to her homeland. This procedure, developed by physicians at Harvard/Massachusetts General Hospital, will have a significant positive impact on this tragic problem. A USA team traveled to Congo last summer (2018) and introduced this procedure and trained health care workers at Gemena’s General Hospital. Over 100 nurses, doctors, midwives and medical students attended the training and received the 300 UBT kits that were assembled and brought from the USA. Kits were distributed via motorcycle to area villages and mother’s lives are already being saved. 

We’ll discuss this and other good news in future blogs on this site. 

Merve came to Sabuli Children’s Center when she was 3 months old in 2018. Her mom passed away after struggling with her health both while being pregnant and after giving birth. Unfortunately, there is not adequate health care for many in Congo. When Merve arrived she was malnourished, underweight––suffering from severe malnutrition. Today she has earned the nickname “mwana soso” or “little chicken” because she will eat anything that is put in front of her. She is healthy and bursting with energy as she dances, laughs and crawls. Merveille is happy and very playful.

Jimmy arrived at Sabuli Children’s Center in 2013. He arrived with his sister, Elise. Their father was a professor and translator but died of AIDS. Their mother also became very ill and couldn’t care for the children. Jimmy and his sister are very good students and when they are not studying they both help out at the massive garden, especially during harvest times, and care for the little ones at the Center.

Priscilla joined Sabuli Children’s Center in 2012. She and her 3 siblings had been living on the streets of Kinshasa at the time. Priscilla’s older brother, Dieu, had been collecting scrap metal from the streets to exchange for food or money in order to feed his younger siblings. On the day that Priscilla’s brother approached Sabuli for help her younger sibling, Nicole, was laying on the ground along the road, too weak to stand.

Today Priscilla and her siblings are healthy and happy to be part of the Children’s Center. They are grateful to God and to Sabuli that all 4 of them are together in a place they can call home.

Nicole joined Sabuli Children’s Center in 2012. She and her 3 older siblings were living on the streets of Kinshasa at the time. Nicole’s older brother, Dieu, was collecting scrap metal from the streets to exchange for food or money in order to feed his younger siblings. On the day that Nicole’s brother approached Sabuli for help, Nicole was laying on the ground too weak to walk.

Today Nicole is healthy and happy to be part of the Children’s Center where she receives nutritious food and all the basic necessities. She is especially grateful for the love and care she receives from Sabuli and the other mamas. Nicole attends the local school and is a serious and good student. Nicole helps with the younger children at the Children’s Center and also helps out in the garden during harvest time when she has extra time. Nicole is grateful that she and her 3 siblings are together in a place they can call home.

Shadrak’s story is coming soon . . .

Tout Saint arrived at SCC a few years ago. He is a great student and loves to play soccer with his brothers and sisters at the children’s center. Here you see him with his good friend, Shadrak. They love playing soccer together in their free time.