Such a kindhearted couple!
Christmas is all about sharing the joy with our family and friends. However, for some, it’s something they might never get to experience. David Barnabas, a pastor from Penang has been making 13 children’s dreams come true by rescuing them from the streets and broken homes.
Being out on the streets himself once, he now considers it his mission to get as many children off the streets as well as provide food, shelter and even education for them.
“At first I would bring vagabonds, single mothers and children from dysfunctional families into my home, letting them share space with my wife, Esther and our two children. We would provide them with food and shelter,” he said, according to The Star.
Source: the star
Since both of his children are all grown up with families of their own, David and Esther have been providing warm meals and offering tender loving care to the children, for the past 15 years.
Since 2007, David has been operating the Crystal Family Home in Reservoir Garden, Ayer Itam, which currently houses 13 children between the age of five and 10. Apart from that, he even runs the Faithful City Church in Bandar Baru Ayer Itam and has been the pastor for the last 23 years.
“There are children in this group who can’t read or write. We ensure they attend public school until they are 18,” he added. The couple intends to make it possible for each and every child to at least complete SPM.
For illustration purposes | source: the star
One of them under his care has already completed his diploma course, but has returned to aid David at the home, along with five other volunteers. Another has even graduated from a local university and is now a lecturer.
“Ours is not an institutionalised home but we show love and kindness to these children that they may not get at their own homes,” he continued.
According to him, the children would return to their respective homes for a week during Christmas. Prior to that, they would have to attend an annual Christmas gathering for underprivileged children with seven other churches at the Caring Society Complex.
Source: propsocial
After Christmas, David is looking to move to a much bigger house in Happy Valley, Terubong which will accommodate over 20 children.
“We can’t afford two homes, although there are many children out there who need our help but our aim remains, which is to help as many as we can and give them a decent childhood,” he said.
Bless their beautiful hearts! We wish them all the best!
Also read: Penang Restaurant Owner Rents a Fully Stocked Fridge to Feed the Homeless
