"Whatever you have done for the least of these, you have done for me."

China – home to one and a quarter billion people – an ancient country as big as the continental United States. This century, China has seen a series of revolutionary political changes; and now, a period of breathtaking economic change. These epic currents of growth and change haven’t been easily managed and their effects on the people have been extremely significant. Modern China has tried to limit its population growth, but this goes in opposition to its culture, which places great value on having at least one healthy male heir. Although it is illegal, some families abandon their baby if it’s a girl, or a boy born with some special need.

Every year in China, an estimated one million babies are abandoned in train stations, markets, and by roadsides. If these babies are found in time, they are taken to government operated orphanages, called Welfare Centers. In cooperation with the Chinese authorities, we have been given permission to care for some of these children until they are adopted.

In 1995, our first model baby unit – named Hephzibah (my joy is in her) - was opened in central China. Today it is home to over 50 children – and it has seen over 100 adoptions in its first 3 years. As some of these children grew older, we developed programs to care for the toddlers and children with special needs, aided by pediatric specialists who heard the Lord’s call to serve in this most challenging of situations. We are seeing children who once had grim chances now living up to their potential.

In September 1997, a model child care center was opened farther south in China, named Shekinah Shalom (Radiant Glory and Peace). It is now home to over 50 children. Then on Christmas Eve 2001 a baby unit, named Hope Haven, opened and is now home to about 30 infants and toddlers.

Today, there is a continuing need for Christian pediatric specialists and nurses willing to serve in China. Our staff is international and interdenominational, single and married, living in a fellowship seasoned often by great joy and sometimes by deep sorrow. We believe our unity and love for one another are our greatest testimony to those we serve, and to those in authority.

God’s faithfulness has been proven by His continuing provision for all the needs of this ministry. All foreign workers are self-supporting, although our Chinese staff are paid a modest wage, which comes through the generous support of individuals all over the world. We believe we are being called to greatly expand the work through invitations to work in partnership with the authorities in Central China to provide training in the fields of rehabilitation and physiotherapy as well as specialist pediatric health care in a vast area covering five provinces.

Regarding Special Needs Children:

"Sometimes we’re asked, ‘Why bother? What’s the point?’ We believe it is important to care for these children because it is an expression of the fact that God loves everybody; God doesn’t look on the outward appearance. We hope and pray that by our care for these children it will be a tangible expression of God’s love to the people of China, many of whom have never heard of the love of Christ."

--Liz, Senior Executive Officer

Statement of Faith