Peters’ lifelong mission to save innocent lives

Ronél Peters, a resident of Swakopmund, has devoted her life's work to nurturing and supporting abandoned and vulnerable infants through her foundation, Ruach Elohim.

Born in Tsumeb, Peters’ early years hinted at her lifelong calling. From a young age, she harboured an overwhelming love for babies, unaware that this affection was deeply tied to her ultimate destiny of caring for abandoned or unwanted infants. “All I ever wanted was a house full of babies! I am confident the inspiration came from my mother. She worked as a registered maternity ward nurse all her life and her love for babies was contagious,” said Peters.

Despite never hearing about baby dumping growing up, she experienced her first prophetic thought at just five years old. As she reached for the doorknob to open the door for her father's return from work, an unusual thought crossed her mind: "What if this is not my father but a baby in a basket?" This thought recurred throughout her life and served as a divine nudge towards her calling to prevent baby dumping. “This was an awakening in my spirit about the calling that I wholeheartedly believe God has destined me for,” Peters said.



Safe surrender for babies in need

Peters’ urge to protect vulnerable infants and the rising incidence of baby dumping compelled her to take action.

She founded the Ruach Elohim Foundation to prevent “this evil”. Initially established in 2018, the registration process was hindered by legal barriers. It wasn't until 2019 when an amendment in the law permitted mothers to anonymously leave their babies at a safe location, given the baby was unharmed, that she was finally able to bring it to fruition and partner with the social welfare ministry.

Peters said Ruach Elohim, meaning "Breath of God," reflects the sanctity of life and mirrors the moment in Genesis 2:7 when God breathed life into man. It was this sacred act that inspired her dedication to safeguarding the lives of innocent babies.

Together with her husband, they built a baby-saver box in their boundary wall where desperate mothers can safely surrender their babies anonymously and without judgment. The foundation's dedication extends to covering the transportation costs for individuals who may not have the means to bring their babies to this "safe haven."

When a baby is placed inside the automated one-way electrical box, it triggers an immediate notification sent to the Ruach Elohim caregivers' phones. They then take in the baby and take it for a medical check-up if need be. Meanwhile, the carers notify their private social worker of the new arrival so that the 60-day court procedure can take effect. During this procedure, the mother is given leeway to reclaim the child after which it may be adopted by a loving and approved family.



Fostering hope

“We rely solely on the generous donations and support from both the local community and businesses. We are actively seeking the ongoing assistance of our community to help us in our daily mission of spreading a message of hope to all the people in Namibia. Our goal is to ensure that no mother is ever forced to abandon her baby due to a lack of information or awareness about safer alternatives,” Peters said.

They have so far taken in over 50 babies, of which 21 were from the baby-saver box – 11 of these babies were from this year alone, following an awareness campaign. Peters urged the public to be supportive of mothers and not be judgemental; rather, educate and create awareness. Mothers dealing with an unplanned pregnancy or a baby they can't or don't want to care for can reach out to them at 081 242 6396.