Let the Children Come Unto Me

Every Sunday, I join my friends Jeanne and Joleen on a visit to Bethlehem Home. This is one among many homes established by the Missionaries of the Poor (MOP) in service to those in  need in Jamaica. This particular home accepts children with severe mental and physical disabilities, who were abandoned or surrendered by families no longer able to care for them. With only the support of donations from individuals and the community, MOP offers the children a home, and provides physical, emotional and spiritual support to them for the rest of their lives. 

My first visit was a shock. I’ve been to many group homes and care facilities in the US, but had never seen or experienced anything like Bethlehem home. There are two wards for boys and one for girls. So many of the children, especially the girls, have severely twisted bodies. Some arrive so malnourished that their limbs are literally skin and bone. I felt the tears well up in my eyes, but there was work to be done and my emotions had to take a back seat.

We started with helping the nurses feed the children. I was introduced to Georgia and was instructed to feed her with a bottle. Georgia looked like a teenager to me. Her torso and limbs were contorted, and she had limited mobility. I was so clumsy in feeding her as she gagged and food ran down her neck. I was afraid to move her fearing I might hurt her. A nurse came to my rescue and placed Georgia in a better position. Joleen gave me a cloth that could be used as a bib. I tried talking to Georgia while she fed, but she didn’t seem to register anything I was saying. I wanted to offer Georgia physical affection so began to stroke her hand and her head. She initially pushed me away. When the bottle was finished, I laid my hands on her and prayed the “Hail Mary”. It was at that moment I saw her eyes look up and connect with my own. Her gaze was piercing. It was a look of recognition and I saw a slight smile appear. Something stirred in my soul, and just for a brief moment I sensed a connection between the two of us.

Now as a regular volunteer on Sundays at Bethlehem house, I am a little less clumsy and a great deal more relaxed in my role. These children are well loved and return that love a hundred fold. I remember praying the “Hail Mary” with one boy. He was so joyful that he grabbed my hand and took me, one-by-one, to each bedside, leading our small group in prayer. In the presence of these children I feel I’m getting a glimpse of heaven. Through them, I see Christ in his suffering as well as the perfection of his love. 

As Jesus said: “Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14)

Watch this video to learn more about MOP and Bethlehem house.

Question for Reflection: Who do you connect with through prayer?