Mozambique Orphanage Fund

The Mozambique Orphanage Fund began its work in the early 1990s through the efforts of Carolyn Belshe. Carolyn, a GBGM missionary, served as an administrator at the Chicuque Rural Hospital (a Methodist ministry) when orphans from the civil war poured into the hospital. They sought care for their physical health, but Carolyn recognized the difficulties that lay ahead even after their bodies had healed.

There was little hope for their futures and she know that there was a greater need for these children.

Carolyn adopted three children and began caring for hundreds more. She knew each one was precious. Together with the Bishop Machado's wife, Nocia Mucambe Machado, they dreamed of an orphanage. Some place where these children could get the full care they deserved.

The work felt slow. The need felt enormous. The first task was a building. Then a mother who had lost her own family in the war was hired to care for a group of children. The project grew as it responded to the grim needs: increasing numbers of children orphaned because of war, extreme poverty, and the ravages of AIDS.

While no longer allowed to return Africa since a disability from contracting malaria and a muscle disease, Calolyn continues to be a presence and sponsor for the children. Her letters, advocacy, education and prayers have been ceaseless. She currently is studying at St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri getting her Doctorate in the study of poverty of women and children in third world countries.

As a result of many years of support of the children, Methodist churches as far away as Sweden, Germany and the United States have begun to bring hope to the children of Mozambique. The need, however, continues to be enormous. And the work needs resources that match the urgency and importance of the tasks.

In 2005, the former Teles Children of War Orphanage became established as the Carolyn Belshe Orphanage in honor of her work. The hope is to continue the model of Carolyn's care as well as strengthen the efforts to grow this ministry.
The children of Mozambique might finally get what Carolyn knew they deserved all along.