Paul Ochieng: The Vital Role of Mattresses at Ebenezer Children’s Home

Tuesday, June 3

7:00 am

Dr Daniel & Mary Beth Gilbert

When night falls at Ebenezer Children’s Home in Kenya, the children gather their belongings, finish their evening prayers, and retreat to their dormitories.

A staff member at Ebenezer Children’s Home stands near the children’s dormitory, where your gift of mattresses brings comfort and dignity to young lives

For these children—many of whom have experienced profound trauma and loss—their beds represent more than just a place to sleep.

They are sanctuaries of safety, comfort, and dignity.

More Than Just a Place to Sleep

“A good mattress might seem like a simple thing,” explains Director Paul Ocheing, his voice gentle as he discusses the children’s needs.

“But for our kids, many of whom slept on floors or shared beds with multiple people before coming here, having their own clean, comfortable place to rest is transformative.”

The children at Ebenezer have come from various difficult circumstances—some orphaned, others rescued from unsafe living conditions, and many carrying the invisible weight of trauma.

This trauma often manifests in ways that create unique challenges, including bed-wetting, which affects the durability of mattresses.

The Challenge of Maintenance

“Mattresses and beds are a continuous need,” Paul explains. “Most mattresses require replacement after about eight months.”

The staff at Ebenezer respond with compassion rather than judgment. They understand that bed-wetting is often a physical manifestation of emotional wounds that are still healing.

They air out the mattresses when possible, but eventually, replacement becomes necessary.

“We air them out, but we find that every year we have to replace the mattresses for hygiene,” Paul continues.

The tropical climate of Kenya, combined with the moisture from bed-wetting, can create conditions where mold and bacteria thrive—posing health risks to already vulnerable children.

A Cycle of Renewal

The current beds at Ebenezer have lasted from last year to this year, but they’ve reached the point where replacement is necessary. “We’ve come to a place where we have to again replace them because they wear out,” Paul emphasizes.

This cycle of replacement is not just about maintaining standards—it’s about communicating value to children who have often felt worthless.

A clean, supportive mattress tells a child: You deserve comfort. Your health matters. Your rest is important.

The Current Need

Currently, Ebenezer Children’s Home is in the process of replacing mattresses in both the girls’ and boys’ dormitories. With bunk beds throughout the facility, the need is substantial.

“Right now we are in the process of replacing both the girls’ dormitory and the boys’ dormitory. We need to replace about 20.”

With each mattress costing approximately $70, this represents a significant investment—but one that directly impacts the daily well-being of each child.

Your Legacy of Comfort Continues

Every night, as the children of Ebenezer kneel beside the beds you’ve provided, they pray.

They may not know your face, but they feel your love every night when they lay down to sleep.

Your gift of $70 isn’t just a mattress. It’s a message that reaches across oceans and continents to tell a child: You are seen. You are valued. You are loved.

And that message changes everything.

Thank you for providing the gift of rest and dignity to the children at Ebenezer. Your continued support ensures that each child has a clean, comfortable mattress—a foundation for healing, growth, and dreams.