As soon as she returns from one trip, Delinda Barnett is planning another.

Unable to get the children of Lusungu Children’s Home off her mind and her heart, Barnett is continually searching for ways to help the African children she fell in love with seven years ago.

Traveling to Chingola, Zambia, with her daughter Chelsea Barnett for the first time in 2015, Barnett said it changed her life forever.

Convicted by their lack of basic necessities, Barnett said, “On my first visit, I realized even some of the things we dispose of could change their lives.”

Even before she left Africa, Barnett was taking mental notes of their needs and her efforts have been progressing ever since.

Since then, Barnett has returned five times, along with other volunteers, carrying dozens of suitcases filled with clothes, shoes, medication and other goods provided through the generosity of Kingfisher County residents and the surrounding communities, she said.

Additionally, Barnett coordinated efforts a few years ago to fill a shipping container with a multitude of donated items including everything from building materials, sewing machines, a welder and garden tiller, to beds, clothing, medical supplies and more.

Barnett met the container at the port and navigated a path to its destination, thwarting corrupt government officials’ attempts to divert the shipment of goods for their own use.

Witnessing the impact of those donations on return trips, Barnett said a pavilion had been erected using a donated welder, picnic tables were added, along with new beds and a multitude of other improvements.

Barnett and other volunteers also utilized some of the donations to teach the children various skills such as sewing and had the opportunity to minister to the children through devotionals, prayer sessions and other activities.

In June, Barnett made her most recent trip and was greeted with the usual excitement, sweet smiles and love from the children, she said.

Traveling with four large suitcases, Barnett said three of them made their way to the children’s home with the exception of one which contained her personal belongings.

Her personal belongings arrived almost a month later – just in time for her return home. But Barnett said she was able to get by with a few items she purchased, a reminder of how few material possessions actually are required to live a happy life.

“They are so precious and sweet; they live in extreme poverty and appreciate every tiny thing,” Barnett said of the children she’s encountered at the orphanage.

Since returning home this summer, Barnett has been collecting donations to fill another shipping container to be sent to the children’s home.

Expressing her thankfulness to the local community for their contributions and service, Barnett said she, along with other volunteers, has been packing and preparing the container for shipment early next spring.

“We have received lots of items including approximately six tons of sheet metal and pipe, but are still in need of bunk beds, plastic folding tables, school supplies, padlocks, garden tools, sewing machines and supplies, PVC pipe, laptops and various other things,” Barnett said.

After opening their home to orphans who started showing up at their door, Bishop Caddie Ngambi and his wife Rodah established Lusungu Children’s Home to accommodate the growing number of orphaned children, Barnett said.

Located on approximately 12 acres, the non-denominational, Bible-based organization now serves more than 100 children from infants through teenagers.

“Having been orphans themselves, the Ngambis are generous, loving and humble servants with the heart of Christ,” Barnett added.

Many of the children have experienced abuse or neglect and need healing which comes slowly, she said.

“As only God can do, the healing is from the inside out and another child gets hope and a chance for a good life,” Barnett added.

With extreme poverty, prevalence of HIV/AIDS and other cultural issues, Barnett said there is a great need to minister to the country’s young vulnerable population.

“Most of the financial support they receive for daily operations comes from a nonprofit formed in the United States known as Mercy Kids Africa, but special projects, such as those supported by Kingfisher County residents, are primarily funded from outside sources.”

Another critical need, Barnett said, is a fence around the perimeter with boundary markers as there is a constant struggle to protect the children’s home from encroachment.

This summer, Barnett said she was thrilled and amazed to see over 600 meters of fence pillars standing when she arrived, yet also witnessed the ongoing battle to secure the property, as an intentional fire was set in an attempt to destroy the markers while she was there.

With a generous cash donation from residents back home, Barnett said more construction on the fence ensued, but is still incomplete.

“There is much to finish and one area remains unmarked and vulnerable.” Barnett said.

“I keep praying the Lord will provide a way to finish the pillars and fill in the walls with concrete blocks to stop the theft, foot traffic and danger to the children.”

Another need is a medical clinic, because the children receive very little medical care, Barnett said.

“An almost new building is for sale near the children’s home, which would be an ideal site for a medical clinic to serve the children and people in the area if funding becomes available,” Barnett said.

Lives are being changed thanks to the Ngambis, their daughter, Adonai, and the gracious individuals of Kingfisher County and others, Barnett said.

With unconditional love and a better quality of life, the children slowly learn to trust and grow into adults who are making a difference in other lives, she said.

Another reason she is passionate about the ministry, Barnett said, is its commitment to sharing the love of Jesus.

Because of that devotion, Barnett said she’s been blessed to share her faith, along with her friend, Sharon McElwain, on the local radio broadcast while there.

Reflecting on the blessings she holds in her heart, Barnett said she is reminded of Proverbs 19:17 which says, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”

“We can’t change the whole world, but we can change the world for a whole lot of kids,” Barnett said.

“Praise God, the ripples go on and on into eternity.”

For more information, contact Delinda Barnett at (405) 684-3108.