St Luke's Church's Babies

Marianne Loder (26) spoke movingly about her work with abandoned babies in Uganda at St Luke's Church in Grayshott on 18 September. Marianne had just returned from doing voluntary work at a Christian orphanage 'The Watoto Bullrushes' in the heart of Kampala where she had looked after seven babies singlehandedly!

Marianne's babies were Blake, Eva, Ella, Charlotte, Nakato & Babirya (twins) and Precious. Four of the babies were orphaned. The other three had lost their mothers at birth but their fathers are still active in their lives and are making a stable home for the babies to return to once they reach 2 years old. The orphanage currently houses 130 abandoned and/or orphaned babies who are brought there by the local police.

Marianne explained: "The Bullrushes babies need lots of love and cuddles as well as practical things like milk formula, nappies and baby-grows. Also the orphanage needs money to train their nurses in infant healthcare". She added: "The Watoto project gives all its children a hope-filled future by providing education, healthcare and a family until they graduate from university or get married". Marianne confessed: "It was really, really difficult. I rang home nearly every day for moral support but I want to go again, it's really changed my life!".

Anna Lubelska-Robins, Head of Outreach at St Luke's Church said: "We are so proud of 'our' Marianne and we hope and pray that more people will support 'her' babies". If you would like to help babies in Uganda then go to www.watoto.com or speak to Marianne on 07980 581113 or email marianneloder@gmail.com.