Leila’s Journey: From Vulnerability to Hope and Restoration
Psalm 68:5–6 (NIV) – “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling…”
We thank God for the life of Shantel, fondly known as Leila, who was rescued and welcomed into the care and protection of Mully Children’s Family (MCF) on May 10, 2021, through the MCF Community Health Department.
Leila was just 19 months old when she arrived at MCF. She was severely malnourished, weighing less than 13 pounds, and had significant developmental delays. She could not crawl, her speech was delayed, and she had gone long periods without adequate nutrition, healthcare, or parental care.
Leila’s early life was shaped by circumstances beyond her control. Her mother, still a teenager, struggled with poverty, an abusive relationship, and alcohol addiction, which severely affected her ability to safely care for her daughter. Even after Leila came to MCF, unsafe circumstances continued. On one occasion, her mother left MCF Ndalani with Leila and was later found intoxicated in a village bar with Leila on her back. Because of the continued neglect and danger, the Children’s Court eventually granted custody of Leila to MCF.
Following her rescue, Leila received urgent medical and nutritional care and was hospitalized for several months. By God’s grace, and through the consistent love, protection, and care she has received at MCF, her health and nutritional status are now stable, and her developmental delays have greatly improved.
Today, the little girl who once could not crawl can walk, run, play, communicate, and joyfully interact with other children. Her speech has improved, and she is now attending PP1, a pre-primary class, at MCF Ndalani. Her bright smile is a beautiful testimony of God’s grace, restoration, and the transforming power of compassionate care.
Through MCF, Leila has been given a safe and loving family where she can heal, grow, learn, and discover the purpose God has for her life. Her story is a reminder of God’s heart for vulnerable children and His faithfulness to bring hope and restoration.
Will you join us in giving thanks for the transformation God has brought into Leila’s life and praying for her and the many other children rescued from similar circumstances?
Please pray for:
Leila’s continued health, growth, and development, that she will continue to thrive spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially, and academically and grow into the purpose God has prepared for her.
Leila’s spiritual growth, that she will come to know Jesus Christ personally, experience His unfailing love, and grow up knowing she is deeply loved and has a God-given purpose.
MCF’s friends, partners, supporters, and caregivers, giving thanks for all who faithfully provide prayers, resources, and care so vulnerable children can find a safe and loving home. Pray that God will continue to bless and strengthen each of them.
All babies and children rescued from similar circumstances, that God will continue transforming their lives and restoring what has been lost. May they know what it means to be loved, accepted, protected, and cared for within their MCF family.
That every child in MCF’s care will know the unfailing love of Jesus Christ and experience the truth of Psalm 147:3 (NIV): “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”