New Children Joining CRM

When the Child Redeemed Mission (CRM) Children’s Home in Uganda is able to accept new kids, I feel that prayers are being answered. Just imagine, a few days ago sleeping on the ground, having little to eat, no medical care or school, living ignored or worse each day, being a burden that can’t be carried any longer by the adults in your life…but now living in a happy beautiful place with dozens of kids, a bed to sleep in, 3 meals a day, people glad that you are there, and they are getting ready for you to go to school. I chose to believe that the adults in these kids lives do pray for something better for these kids and see CRM as an answer to that prayer.

First few days at CRM for Fionah, Dan, and Innocent Mutekanga.

How do new kids come to CRM? ….. The Social Workers at CRM are in contact with the District Child Officer (DCO). His job is to monitor the district and address children who are vulnerable, mistreated, and neglected. This has to be a daunting and overwhelming task. Usually neighbors report these children. Most kids are called orphans and have lost at least one parent to death and the other to inability or unwillingness to support them. When openings arise at CRM because kids finish High School the potential children needing to be removed from their situation are reviewed by the Social Workers and accepted if it is best for the kids. CRM is one of only a few registered and approved Children’s Homes in the district. The criteria to become so is steep and many many homes have been closed in Uganda over the past 5 years, over 90% of them. CRM is a special place…. a unique blend of efficient institution with a safe family atmosphere and a happy place to play, learn, and grow as a child. It is a place where Christian love is practiced, the Gospel believed, and kids are expected to grow up and have hopes and dreams.

Six new children arrived while we were at CRM in January. I love meeting new kids and knowing their lives are turning in a better direction. My favorite memories of them during the trip was noticing other kids leading them around, showing them things, playing with them, and making sure they were ok. I told the CRM Director Emma and Social Worker Gorretti that I was impressed at the love the kids show the new kids and know it is because an atmosphere of love and family is strong throughout CRM. I’m so appreciative for that!

Most of these kids will start at the new Child Redeemed Mission Primary School that just opened and will be supported through High School and usually somewhat beyond by MSM. The children’s extended family will be encouraged to be involved, especially as the kids become teenagers. Family connections are important and will be a foundation for the kids as they enter adulthood eventually.

Caring for these kids is possible by the prayers and support of donors. It cost about $50 per month on average to care for, clothe, feed, and educate a child. Thank you to those that are helping. Please pray about helping if this touches you.

Here are the entry bios for the 6 children that joined in January.