The boys heard the faint, exhausted cries.

They seemed to be coming from the outdoor toilet.

They were—from inside the toilet, down in the foul and deep accumulation of human offal. Flies and other insects were crawling in the filth that covered the terrified little one’s face and entire body.

Aghast and wanting to vomit, the boys ran for help.

Shocked adults pulled three-year-old Tinotenda from the pit where his mother had thrown him to die. In pity and love they cleaned him up.

That happened just a few weeks ago. Last Monday I met Tinotenda—at Musha Wevana where we take care of 50 to 60 orphans.

He was clean. The only thing the orphanage staff could find to keep him warm was a girl’s pink and white sweater. Mid-day temperatures last Monday in Zimbabwe’s highveldt were in the low 40’s.

We brought food and toys for the orphans. Each little girl got a baby doll and the younger boys got Hot Wheels cars. Older kids were given clever personal diaries and notebooks. (Thanks, Barbara!)

They all squealed with delight as we handed them the toys—but not Tinotenda. His blank stare didn’t change. The staff told us he never mingled with the others, never smiled.

Ben and I were at the orphanage about three hours. As we were preparing to leave I noticed Tinotenda watching me. I waved at him.

He lifted his hand in a very shy little wave.

I waved again.

And then he broke into a smile and danced in circles. Each time he came around he waved—and smiled—and giggled—at me. For several minutes we played the happy little game.

We had just experienced a great step forward in the healing of this precious child.

I’ll never forget the event. I may get to the point where I can talk about it without tears, but I’ll never forget—it’s too powerful.

It’s what Children’s Cup is all about.

It’s what you help us do—redeem abused and thrown-away children in Jesus’ name.

The miracle will continue.

Some of our CupBearers might remember that a few years ago I wrote about finding a little lamb that had fallen into a toilet pit in Chambuta, Zimbabwe. I dreaded the thought that such a think might ever happen to a child. Well, it did happen, but God turned the unthinkable tragedy into great blessing for Tinotenda. He is now being cared for and nurtured in our Christ-loving orphanage.

Will you help us pray for Tinotenda’s mother—that God’s loved will somehow penetrate her darkened soul? And that she will find the path to the Cross and follow the trail back to Tinotenda!