A Box. For Babies.

This is a repost from my friend Karen Lim.  She was able to visit Korea in the fall and personally learn about the ministry of the Baby Box.  
A Box. For Babies.

The church sits in a hilly neighborhood on the outskirts of Seoul. It is a church that, much like other places of worship in South Korea and around the world, announces its presence with a steeple, a cross, and signs out front. The building itself is covered in colorful, child friendly paintings of flowers, hearts and butterflies. But there is something that sits this place apart from other buildings in the neighborhood--and from every house of worship in all of Korea.

You see, on the left side of the church, up some concrete stairs, you will find a box. You might not notice it from the street, save for the signage with arrows to direct you up the steps. This box is metal, and it is built right into the building--much like a drop box you might see at the library or the post office.

 

This box, however, is not for borrowed books or birthday cards. It is for babies. Yes, tiny humans who otherwise might be abandoned on the streets of South Korea. For these children and for the people who leave them here, this box is a haven, a safe place, an island in a sea of very complicated circumstances in a society that idolizes perceived perfection and shames single parenthood.

 

It is called The Baby Box, and the Rev. Jongrak Lee built it three years ago as a place for babies to safely and anonymously be left--an alternative to abandoning infants on the street and in other public places. The children are placed in the box by mothers or other family members who--for whatever reason--feel they cannot care for the children themselves. The box is labeled "Baby Box," written phonetically in Hangul. Below that are the words "Jesus love you" (sic), and just above the box reads Psalm 27:10: "Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me" (NIV).

 

The Baby Box ministry at Jusarang Church started in 2009 after Pastor Lee and his wife (pictured above, in a photo of a photo) received a phone call that someone had left a baby in front of their home in the middle of the night. Out of concern for abandoned children being exposed to the elements and other dangers, Pastor Lee started researching safer alternatives, Mrs. Lee explained recently at the home they share with the 20 children in their care. An Internet search brought information about a similar box that exists in the Czech Republic, and Pastor Lee eventually started designing a baby box for their church in Seoul.

The box itself is opened from the outside--for a deposit--via a handle that is turned and a door that is pulled downward. The inside of the box, which is about the size of an old-school 16-inch television, features a light, a blanket that is replaced regularly, and another door that opens from inside the building. An alarm alerts the Lees or church volunteers when a baby has arrived.

Since Korea's new adoption laws were made effective--just a few months ago--the Lees have seen a significant increase in the number of babies left in The Baby Box. For example, Mrs. Lee said, before they may only have received around two or three babies per month. Now, however, the number is more like 15 or 20. Previously, most babies arrived under the disguise of night. Now they are being left during the day as well. 

Some additional photos:

 

Jusarang Church and Orphanage is located in Nangok, a hilly, working-class neighborhood in Seoul.

Pastor Lee greets guests as he prepares to leave for a church meeting, October 11, 2012.

Mrs. Lee demonstrates how the box is opened from outside.

 

Purple arrows point the way to The Baby Box.

Written in orange Hangul on the window above The Baby Box reads: "If you are unable to care for your baby with special needs or if you are an unmarried mother, please do not abandon your baby. Use the handle to open the box below and place the baby inside."

Inside the box is a simple request: "Please be sure to leave the correct birth date!"

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Note: This entry serves as an introductory piece about The Baby Box. In the coming days, I hope to share more about Pastor and Mrs. Lee's family and ministry as well as our visit with them and how we can help. Thank you for any interest.

For more information:http://33foramoment.blogspot.com/2012/11/links-to-more-information-about-baby.html