China Little House Orphanage – Stephen
Of the three children that call the Little House Orphanage home, Stephen is the oldest. He was the third child to arrive, but is referred to as “ge ge” (older brother) by the other children. Stephen is 13 years old and has lived in this small village orphanage for the past four years.
The story of how Stephen came to live in the Little House Orphanage is bitter sweet.
We met Stephen several years before he moved in. Stephen’s grandmother was taking care of him. His parents are divorced and his grandmother took care of him by herself. Stephen has a lot of needs and as the grandmother got older she questioned her ability to care for her grandson. We met them several times and talked about Stephen moving to the village. Each time, Stephen’s grandmother could not let go of her grandson. She loves him very much. In 2014, the grandmother’s health began to decline. Because she had no help, she realized Stephen could be taken care of in our orphanage.
The day we picked him up to take him to his new home, Stephen’s grandmother went with us. It was a terribly difficult day for her. Seeing her struggle and knowing she needed hope, we asked a Chinese Christian friend to share the Gospel of Jesus with her. She was very receptive and attended church soon after, for the first time in her life.
Now, four years later, Stephen is a vital part of our Little House family. His grandmother often visits and even though her health has improved in the past four years, she is still unable to care for him on her own. When she visits, she snuggles with him and they share a big slice of cake. Stephen’s grandmother still attends church.
We are doubly blessed with Stephen. He is a joy to be around. His expressions make us smile and he is a great snuggler. The fact that his grandmother has now heard the name Jesus and continues to seek Him makes Stephen’s story an extra special blessing to us.
Stephen has severe autism. When agitated he moves back and forth with such force that we are afraid his wheelchair will tip over. Stephen does not chew his food, so each meal needs to be altered for him to swallow. He loves a cold cup of milk. Sitting outside in the sunshine with the breeze hitting him is his happy place.
Stephen is not sponsored by anyone ($30/month). His biggest need right now is to upgrade his wheelchair so he cannot tip it over ($300). If you are interested in helping with either one of these needs, please write Little House (Stephen) in the memo line of your tax deductible check and send to the mailing address below:
CRAM Worldwide
1291 N. Airport Pkwy.
Greenwood, IN 46143
Submitted by Andrea Howe, Missionary to China