A happy ending – meeting Baby Moses’ mom

You may recall the story (recounted here and here) of Baby Moses. It was so heart-rending. When my son and his team visited her home in Swaziland, they were shocked by what they saw – a woman who seemed barely alive and her five children who blinked at them from the darkness. …

By Seth Barnes

22 July 2008, 12:07 am

By Seth Barnes

22 July 2008, 12:07 am

You may recall the story (recounted here and here) of Baby Moses. It was so heart-rending. When my son and his team visited her home in Swaziland, they were shocked by what they saw – a woman who seemed barely alive and her five children who blinked at them from the darkness.

She was laying on the ground with a baby that was pitifully small and fragile.

Her name, they learned, was Philile. They called her baby, “Baby Moses.”

My son’s team began to care for Philile and her family, including Baby Moses. He began gaining weight, and things were looking up. But one day, he got an infection and died shortly thereafter.

On our trip to Swaziland this past month, Jumbo introduced me to a lady with a bright infectious smile, “Seth, this is Philile, baby Moses’ mom.”

I couldn’t believe it! She looked so healthy, so normal. Jumbo continued, “She’s been taking her ARV’s [anti-retroviral medication that slows the impact of the HIV virus]. And your son’s team and a donor have helped ensure she gets proper nutrition.”

I talked to Philile, and she described her baby’s funeral, how she’d been so weak that Seth and Aaron had to carry her to the grave site.

“My life hasn’t been easy,” she said, “but now my children and I are eating regularly.” She has even been helping us feed the many orphans in the area through our care points.

Our team looked at her ramshackle mud and sticks home and decided that something had to be done. We believe in a God of redemption, a God who takes unbearable tragedies like Baby Moses’ death and turns them for good. In the weeks to come, we plan to build Philile and her family a new home. And then we intend to see Baby Moses’ memory produce a legacy of goodness that amazes the world. Please pray with us to that end.

Comments (8)

Ps.Emmanuel

July 22, 2008 at 2:26 am

Dear Dadi Seth,
We daily pray for all your family,your all ministry and your country.God is good God and He will provide all things for His Glory in Swaziland specially for the little angel Moses.
God bless You.
Ps.Emmanuel.
Elysa Mac

July 22, 2008 at 9:44 am

PRAISE GOD!!!! That is amazing. I am so glad to read the rest of the story. Baby Moses and his story had a huge impact on me. I’ll be passing this news on to my blog readers who followed Moses’ story at my blog.

BTW, let me know when the time comes to build Philile’s house if you’re going to need donations. I’d be glad to give to this wonderful cause.
Julie

July 22, 2008 at 11:08 am

Wow! I am in tears praising God! Thanks for the update!
Seth Jr.

July 22, 2008 at 11:30 am

I sat with Gary last night about in tears as he told me about all this. Thank you for following up with the family that my heart so broke for. How many sons can boast a father that would do this?
talia

July 22, 2008 at 1:11 pm

amen dad, that’s good stuff. love you!
Geraldine de kretser

August 8, 2008 at 10:39 pm

Moses was directed by God in the bible so can we if we turn to him carry on Gods work blessed man.
Becca

November 3, 2009 at 2:46 am

I know you wrote this over a year ago, but I just came across it. I met her…this past summer! The house she’s living in now is INCREDIBLE!! That house is a huge blessing to her and her children…reading this broke my heart. I had no idea that Baby Moses was her son. She has the most beautiful smile, it’s true. THank you for sharing this.
Aar

October 19, 2022 at 11:04 am

Thank you for seeing this through Seth and BEING the will of God to Philile’s family. You and others are God’s way of answering her prayers. Blessings, love you man!