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| Monica Mhango (above, left) appears frail and weak, but her ability to praise God through song thrives. |
When Monica Mhango sings her voice captures your attention, and for a moment you forget she's dying of AIDS
The young girl appears frail and weak, but her ability to praise God through song thrives.
"It makes you feel angry when someone so innocent is suffering from the consequences of someone else's involvement in sexual promiscuity," says International Mission Board worker Ed Miller, who lives with his wife, Linda, in Kitwe, Zambia. "It hurts to see someone you love going through that."
The young girl and her brother and cousins moved into a small house on the Millers' property about five years ago after her mother died of AIDS. The children live with their grandparents, Goldwell and Evelyn Mhango, who have taken care of the Millers' property for more than 20 years.
During those years, the elderly couple have lost seven of their 10 children, most of whom have died of AIDS. They may soon lose their granddaughter, who has put up a valiant but futile fight.
As the disease runs its course, Monica stands out from her cousins, Grace and Mercy, with her frail frame and sores on her skin. The other girls radiate health and energy while Monica can only smile softly.
Though the young girl has shown progress while on a high protein diet, a cold or flu virus could send her health into a tailspin.
"We've had some scares," Miller says. "A couple of weeks ago some of the children had mumps, and we had to keep Monica isolated from them."
Miller serves as a trustee for Chande Baptist Orphanage in Kitwe that helps provide education and support for children who aren't as fortunate as Monica to have a family to care for them.
"We are thankful to have the Lord in our heart, and we know He is the only hope," Miller says. "Presenting that hope makes the difference-that makes it bearable."
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