“OUR BABIES” – Mission project of the Cayman Islands United Church

The United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands explored a new mission opportunity through its partnership with the Samaritan’s Purse, Children Heart Project.

Samaritan’s Purse, Children Heart Project brought Sondor, Enkhmaa and Myagmarmaa, three babies 9 – 12 and 18 months, their mothers and two Interpreters in late January from Mongolia to Health City Hospital. All three (3) children were in need of heart surgeries, and have had successful surgeries thus far. Sondor and Myagmarmaa had their surgeries in early February and have since been discharged, however, Enkhmaa’s surgery took place in late February of which is she still recovering at the Health City Hospital.

The Savannah United Church signed on with Samaritan’s Purse to be the host church/family for the babies and their mothers during their recovery period. The church’s mission project coordinators, Ms. Angela Martins and Mrs. Olga Gourzong have been immersed in every step of the process and preparation for the arrival of the Mongolian babies and their mothers once they were discharged from Health City Hospital. Ms. Angela Martins, member of Savannah United, opened her home to them as the host family home. In preparing for this mission project, “Our Babies”, Mark 9: 37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” became the guide post for the Savannah United Church family. This scripture has come alive in the countless ways that members and adherents shared time, talent and treasures to help prepare for the babies coming home and everything they have needed since then. The heart of Savannah United Church and its sister Congregation Robert Young Memorial United Church has poured out far beyond money and gifts. Members of both Congregations have been consistent in their giving of even the smallest things or whatever they can to help with these families.

While the Mothers do not have a Christian background, they have readily engaged in Bible study both while in the hospital with the Interpreters and now after the discharge of Sondor and Myagmarmaa home to Ms. Angela, this continues daily. The Mothers and babies attend service each Sunday and socially, the Moms enjoy volleyball and cooking different Mongolian cuisines and desserts for Members to try. This Mission project has become a very tender healing balm for Olga and Rollin Gourzong from Savannah United, (Olga is a member of the planning team for this Mission project). Baby Enkhmaa celebrated her 1st Birthday on the 20th February 2018 which is also the birthday of their only child Michael who they lost tragically two years ago. Enkhmaa has quickly become a joyful blessing to both of them. Enkhmaa took to Ms. Olga when they met for the first time on her birthday. It was a sweet celebration for both Olga and Nyamka, Enkhmaa’s mother.

Sondor, and Myagmarmaa and their mothers will travel back to Mongolia on the 5th March. The Robert Young Memorial United Church and Savannah United Church will continue to support Enkhmaa and her mother through her recovery period and until she is discharged to travel back to Mongolia. The United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands thanks the Samaritan’s Purse, Children Heart Project for this opportunity to serve these little ones and gives thanks to Almighty God for all that they are teaching us as individuals and as a church.

The United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands (UCJCI)

If you would like more information about this topic, please call Renita Barnes at 947-1963 or email [email protected]