This place is quite unique in the world. It is called “Nazareth Home for God’s Children” and it's located in Ghana. Here, a nun named Therese Stan gives shelter to children with disabilities.
The problem is that because of their disabilities, the townspeople accuse these children of witchcraft. This is what happened to Sarah, who has some difficulty in speaking.
'I came here because I was accused of witchcraft. All of my family and all of my people condemned me.'
“Nazareth Home for God’s Children” is one of the 2,800 projects that the Pontifical Society of Missionary Childhood helps with. It's an international network of children, who through of prayer and small contributions, supports 4 million children in the missions.
Pope Francis thanked them a few days ago.
POPE FRANCIS
The World Day of Missionary Childhood involves many children and young people throughout the world. I thank each of them and encourage them to be joyful witnesses of Jesus, seeking always to bring fraternity among your peers.
With Missionary Childhood, children not only help other children, but they get to understand their faith better, learn what happens in distant countries, and welcome everyone regardless of race or religion.
Also, they are no longer indifferent to the spiritual or material needs of children their age.
JOSÉ MARÍA CALDERÓN
Obras Misionales Pontificias, Spain
'In many situations, the Church is the institution that acts as a family for these people. These children are welcomed with a lot of love. It's an environment where they discover that their life has a value and that their life has meaning.'
This is evident in “Nazareth Home for God’s Children,” where they have saved the lives of 80 children.
As these children grow up, the nun is building a professional development school and a clinic so that, one day, they will be able to earn a living with a dignified future.
This is also possible, thanks to the help of children all over the world.
Javier Martínez-Brocal
Translation: Christian Campos