Little Mommies

Qwa Qwa is a region in South Africa that is an incredibly poor, impoverished area with high unemployment, low educational level, and little opportunities for economic development. South Africa has one of the highest incidences of HIV / AIDS at 18.8% of the adult population. In addition it is estimated that there are over 1.2 million AIDS orphans, which is half of all orphans. So, this being said, HIV AIDS is leaving many Qwa Qwa children orphans and in child led households. This is where you find the "little mommies"

The Mustard Seed Ministry wants to give these little mommies of Qwa Qwa a childhood, an opportunity to see, hear, feel and taste through the eyes of a child and not "so-called adults" In Qwa Qwa, 10 year old's are full-time care takers or their younger siblings. They carry their siblings on their backs, wipe dirty bottoms and are never free of responsibility. I don't know about you, but my 10 year old relies on me to help with homework, friendship struggles, good healthy cooking, clean clothes and support and encouragement. Where is this for the Qwa Qwa girls?? With Momma Julia!

Momma Julia makes a pact so to speak with the "little mommies" who come to her door. She makes them promise to enjoy themselves and let Momma Julia take care of the young ones. It is very hard for them at first as they are conditioned to watch out and care for the younger children. But, by the end of the day, these "little mommies are laughing and lose that tense, watchful look. And, at the Mustard Seed ministry, these girls can learn and get an education. Did you know that in South Africa around a 1 in 3 chance of completing secondary school?

She is also helping a "little daddy" named Lucky. Lucky is a 12 year old boy who came to Momma Julia with a big scab across is face. He has been caring for is 5 year old sister and because of the stress, he has been scratching his face. Momma Julia is determined to help Lucky heal physically, emotionally and spiritually thought the grace of God.

The Mustard Seed ministry has so many reasons to exit in South Africa. Life there is not easy and for the 'little mommies and little daddies" and really seems unimaginable. Please countue to pray for this ministry and those precious children it serves. May the love of Jesus fill these Qwa Qwa orphans through the Mustard Seed in order to heal them and give them a life made for a Child of God.