A dream sparked by a simple birthday celebration in 2014 has now transformed into a beacon of hope for vulnerable children in Liberia. Christ for Kids International has officially opened the Ma-Martha L. Tokpa Orphanage, a dedicated safe haven for orphaned children in need of love, care, and a brighter future.
The journey began with Madam Emma M.T. Miller, a mother of four, who, after witnessing the desperation of local children for a place to grow, decided to take action. “I’ve had this vision for years, but that day, when the kids gathered for my son’s birthday and I saw him serve them, it hit me—this is a good plan,” she shared. “There’s a real need for a space where children can be supported and have opportunities to succeed.”
Starting small in a tent on her porch, the vision of Christ for Kids quickly gained momentum. As the need for a bigger space grew, Madam Miller reached out to a local pastor, who generously offered the church building for the children’s programs. “Where children are, there will be blessings,” the pastor said, solidifying the foundation for what would become a life-changing initiative.
In 2020, Madam Miller’s faith-driven journey led her to the United States, where she was determined to bring back the resources needed to help her community in Liberia. Through hard work and dedication, she became an active member of Anchor Baptist Church, where she served in various capacities, including teaching the church’s children. Despite the challenges she faced as a newcomer, she remained committed to her mission to make a difference.
“My purpose is to bring help to my people back home,” she said. “God opened doors for me, and I’m walking through them to bring change.”
This vision came to fruition with the dedication of the Ma-Martha L. Tokpa Orphanage Home, named in honor of the founder’s mother. The dedication ceremony was filled with joy, prayers, and heartfelt speeches from local leaders, volunteers, and supporters who made this dream a reality.
Madam Miller expressed profound gratitude for the community’s unwavering support: “This is not just a building; it’s a place where children will feel loved, protected, and given the chance to thrive. We are committed to ensuring every child here has a bright future.”
The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a tour of the new facilities, designed to provide not only shelter but also a nurturing environment for the children’s academic, emotional, and personal growth.
With the Ma-Martha L. Tokpa Orphanage now open, Christ for Kids International has taken a significant step forward in providing a safe, loving space for the children of Liberia to build new futures.
For her part, the honoree madam Tokpa reflect on her live In the town of Yekepa, Nimba county when she committed her unwavering determination to provide education for children, despite facing numerous challenges that have created a lasting impact. Reflecting on her journey, she shared how she was able to change the lives of many children.
“I didn’t go to school, I didn’t have a formal education or background,” she said.
Despite the challenges of raising children with little formal education and financial resources, she remained steadfast in her commitment to provide them with opportunities for a better future. “I told my God, ‘I don’t care how much money you give me, just give me the strength to prepare my children for school.’ He helped me, and I am forever grateful,” she said.
Her dreams extended beyond her own children. “If I had money, I would have a place to help others—orphans, poor children without parents,” she shared, showing her desire to give back to the community. Despite her efforts being largely self-supported, she never gave up. “Sometimes we used our own money. There was no one else to help, but my family backed me, and we kept going.”
Her story is one of perseverance, where small sacrifices and a big heart have made a lasting difference. With no formal education herself, she became a beacon of hope for others, determined to make sure that all her children and others in need would have the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a better future.
