Ebeneezer

This is Ebeneezer. He lives at the Methodist Orphan and Vulnerable Children Center in Lawra. He is here with his mother, Yaa, and his sister, Noella. Ebeneezer is at the center because he is, what the Dagaaba people call, a "snake." Ebeneezer was born without any muscle control. As an infant, he could not hold up his head, kick his legs, fling his arms or grasp a finger. The Dagaaba people believe that children like Ebeneezer should live in the woods where the snakes live and would allow these children to die. This happens today, in 2011. So, Ebeneezer's life is a miracle. He is almost four years old. As you can see, he can lift his head. He can pull himself around on his stomach. And, if you stand him up , holding his hands, he struggles to take a few steps. With care, with "therapy," with prayer, Ebeneezer will walk one day. May God give him the help and the strength he needs.