| ABOUT OUR NAME... |
The name Beautiful Gate originates from: Acts 3:2 Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" Then Peter said, Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. |
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ABOUT | History
In June 2001, we responded to a critical problem in Lesotho and initially opened our doors to 7 babies, providing safety and care for abandoned and HIV/AIDS affected babies in Lesotho. For just over 6 years we operated within the family of ministries of Youth With a Mission and under the umbrella of Beautiful Gate International. During that time Beautiful Gate has developed its own unique identity as an Interdenominational Christian organisation. In January 2008 our board followed the lead of Beautiful Gate Ministries International to fully embrace our new identity separate from Youth With a Mission, and moved into the next season as an organisation.
Since establishment we have cared for over 170 babies, mainly abandoned or affected /infected by HIV/AIDS. From the start we have endeavored to see these children repatriated with family or adopted. Since opening, 35 of our originally HIV+ babies have been tested negative on retest at one year of age. 75 babies have been adopted or placed under guardianship , 6 are pending adoption and 32 have been returned to their families. Sadly 25 have passed away mainly due to AIDS related illnesses. Up to June 2007, we were only able to accommodate 25 babies at a time due to limited space. However with the near completion of Phase 1 of our new building project we now have room for 60. At present we have 37 babies in residence. Our babies range in age from 1 month to just over4 years.
The new centre comprising 8 buildings so far has enabled us to expand our services to needy children and in mid September we opened a pre-school to cater to the neediest children of Ha Thetsane, following research into the area. At present we have 58 children enrolled. We have also established a Clinic to isolate and care for our very sick children and ultimately to serve needy children in our area. Further community development services from our centre to children in the area will commence as and when the financing and programs are established. The completion of the buildings up to this stage has been financed through donations from various donors, locally and overseas. Our operational costs and practical needs have been mainly met by interested individuals, churches some funding organizations and small businesses. We currently have nearly 60 local care, maintenance and administration staff as well as 6 medium term volunteers.
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