ATLANTA (ABP) — More than 1.7 million Chinese children under the age of 13 have cerebral palsy. Because of poverty, limited medical services, and China's laws limiting each family to one child, these children are often abandoned to starvation, isolation and an early death.
Despite the number of children with cerebral palsy — a muscular impairment caused by brain damage — there are few schools in China designed specifically to help them. But one supported by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship is making a difference. It's called Angel House Rehabilitation and Education Center, in Guangxi Province, and it specializes in early intervention and rehabilitation for the condition.
At Angel House, each child is integrated into a program to help them assume normal roles in society. Kate Wang Fang, director of Angel House, said parents often ask her why she provides the service. She tells them it's because she's a “Christ-follower.”
When Fei Fei, 3, arrived at Angel House, he was unable to sit up and could barely talk. With help from the workers like Wang Fang at Angel House, his cognitive and speech development are now nearly normal for his age. He can also sit without assistance and is gaining strength in his legs.
Along with Fei Fei, Angel House serves 20 children with a range of physical disabilities. Its staff of 14 forms a team of special-education teachers, rehab workers, care-givers and administrators. Their program includes speech therapy, exercises for developing motor skills and role-play designed to help students transition into society.
Brenda Lisenby, who serves as a CBF representative in China, is directly supported by contributions to CBF's Offering for Global Missions. She said working at the house has been a “life-changing” experience.
“Because non-government organizations are rare in China, Kate struggled to get Angel House off the ground,” Lisenby said. “We relate openly as a Christian organization. We are not always well received. Some local schools and local governments prefer not to partner with Christian organizations. But then there are others who do wish to partner with us.”
For six years, Lisenby taught English at a Chinese university. With her background in education, her facility with the Chinese language, and her growing network of contacts, she is excited about the potential for serving in special-needs education.
“We definitely work among a marginalized segment of society,” Lisenby said. “This work gives me an opportunity to impact whole families … as the Chinese learn how to affirm and welcome special-needs individuals into their society. I am amazed at how God works.”
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— Celeste Pennington is a writer for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.