Stepping out in faith to help the children

DAVE and Valerie Bailey’s orphanage in the hills of Lesotho has grown from strength to strength.

The couple moved from Northern Ireland to Shelly Beach to retire about six years ago. Instead, God had a bigger plan for the Bailey family. In 2008, He gave them a vision to build an orphanage which they later named Rachel’s Place in memory of Rachel White (21), a former college student from Ireland who died in a car accident that same year.

The orphanage, situated in the small village of Sekhalabateng in Lesotho, is home to some 28 abused, abandoned and HIV/Aids infected and affected babies and children. A church and Amy’s Crèche have also been erected on the property. The crèche was named after Amy Wilson (9) who died suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition in January 2009.

“God wanted a voice for the little people, and we are blessed to be instrumental in facilitating this request,” said Valerie.

Prior to building the orphanage, the couple had been to Lesotho on holiday, and were astonished to see the children hungry, cold and living in harsh conditions. Lesotho has large numbers of children who have lost one or both parents to HIV/Aids. There are 200 000 orphans in Lesotho, 130 000 of which have HIV/Aids, and this number is rapidly increasing. These children have limited support and many are being brought up by their grandparents.

The couple recalled the incredible ‘miracles’ which transpired during their mission to build the orphanage. “It was a learning process. But we were guided step by step by God,” said Valerie.

A retired building contractor, Dave, assisted by Valerie, literally built Rachel’s Place with their own hands. “We stepped out in faith and everything came together,” added Valerie. Dave said the biggest hassle was hauling sand out of the river. “Most of the other building materials were transported from South Africa, except for the blocks which were handmade,” he said.

“There have been challenges but God has always provided. Nothing gives us more pleasure than seeing the happy faces of the children,” said Valerie.

Rachel’s Place continues to be blessed by generous donations from family and friends. Proceeds from two charity shops based in Ireland, and from Second Chance book store in Margate also help to fund the orphanage. Creston College, Margate Primary and Norwegian Settlers’ Church have been instrumental in donating school uniforms.

The Baileys travel to Lesotho every three weeks or so, to take food and supplies to the orphanage. They also run a feeding scheme which provides food to 120 hungry people.

The orphanage is always in need of any type of baby clothes and children’s shoes, especially school shoes, are desperately needed. Other donations are also welcome. If you are able to assist in any way, contact the Baileys at 076 7145387 or at daveandval@telkomsa.net