Update on Baby Joy in Uganda

A few months ago, we shared the heartbreaking story of baby Joy in Uganda (read the original story here), a little girl who was abandoned and attacked by stray dogs, leaving part of her body severely injured— a painful and distressing beginning to life.

Thanks to the prayers and generous support of many, Joy was able to receive a critical surgery using skin grafts to begin healing her wounds. By God’s grace, she recovered well, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who prayed, gave and stood with the ministry during that time. While Joy was healing, the staff at Mercy Childcare Ministry (MCCM) continued searching for her biological family. With the help of local police, they were eventually able to locate her father.

The team learned that Joy’s father had once worked as a day laborer where he became involved with a fellow worker who became pregnant. She left the job and cut contact with Joy's father, who also soon moved to another job. When the mother later found herself unable to care for the baby, she returned to the farm where they both previously worked and abandoned Joy there. After locating Joy’s father, the MCCM team met with him and spent time offering counseling and guidance. Through these conversations, he expressed a willingness to take responsibility for his daughter and raise her. The staff were able to help bring them together and begin the process of reconciliation. It was a deeply emotional moment.

Joy is now living with her paternal grandparents, where her father works nearby. Recently, Racheal, a social worker with Mercy Childcare Ministry, visited Joy at her grandparents’ home and was grateful to see that she is doing well. Her physical healing is also progressing well. MCCM will soon take Joy to see a specialist who will advise on further treatment to help reduce the scarring as she continues to grow. Mercy Childcare Ministry will continue to sponsor Joy’s medical care, provide supplemental nutrition and support her education when she begins school. This reflects Mercy and CTL’s commitment not only to rescue children in crisis, but also to restore families and walk alongside them as they rebuild their lives together.

The staff at Mercy already misses Joy dearly. During her time at Mercy village, she brought so much light and joy to everyone around her.

Scripture reminds us, “God sets the lonely in families” (Psalm 68:6). While our partners daily live the call to be family for children that cannot be with their biological families, the first goal is always to help restore broken family relationships and empower parents to fulfill their God-given role in the lives of their children. We firmly believe that family is the best place for a child to grow and thrive.

We are grateful to everyone who has been part of Joy’s journey of healing, hope and restoration. Please continue to pray for Joy and her father as they begin this new chapter together.