This month we have seen God do a MIRACLE to meet the needs of children with disabilities in Ukraine! GOD HAS BROUGHT IN, ALMOST PRECISELY TO THE DOLLAR, THE NECESSARY FUNDS TO MEET THE NEEDS OFDennis, Eleina. Lisa, Eugene and Sophia (click on each name to see their stories)! Through generous churches and individuals like YOU, the gift of health and blessing of God's provision has been granted for not only children, but their families as well! What a great way to give this Christmas!
We have another sweet girl from our national church of brothers and sisters that we'd like to introduce you today. Inclusion is the pattern for our faith community, and we are proud to be intentional as we lay the groundwork to begin our church plant. Many of you have heard me say, and I believe it with a passion, that we are each created in the image of God, and have unique talents and abilities that He wants to grow in us so He can shine His light through each of us to reach the world with the message of hope! And after a year full of twists and turns, let's let the LOVE of God shine brightly and boldly, bringing HOPE to those in need!
Agatha, the youngest child in a family who has a warm and friendly reputation, has already endured more than 10 surgical procedures! When Agatha was 5 years old, her parents noticed that she did not seem to be able to hear properly. They turned to many specialists, but Agatha's hearing condition only became more concerning as time went on. Eventually, it became a necessity to seek the help of specialists at one of the top ENT institutes in Kiev, across the country from Odesa. Here, Agatha was diagnosed with a grim problem in both ears. Every 3 months, the family traveled for check-ups which ultimately led to a firm diagnosis of hearing loss and otosclerosis of both ears.
Agatha's Dad has had to work two jobs to pay for his daughter's treatment. Finally in March, surgery was performed on Agatha's right ear, and a cochlear implant was deemed a success, with 60% of Agatha's hearing restored! Today, Agatha is growing in leaps and bounds and loves music, athletics, drawing, and interior design. With doctors optimistic about the potential outcome of her left ear, it is time to gear up for surgery again. This family firmly believes that God will provide restoration to Agatha's hearing and that she will be able to hear like anyone else! And in order for that to happen, the second procedure is needed, and soon!
Understandably, the stress of this long-term health issue has worn on Mom and Dad, as he is constantly working to provide for the family. But despite that the only time they have together is over the weekend, this family remains faithful to God and are in attendance at church every Sunday. Mom stays busy as a volunteer through the church also, reaching the community through outreach opportunities and projects led by this community of believers. Motivated out of the pain in their own lives, this family amazingly has incredible compassion and a vision to love others who are also hurting and in need! Its easy to believe God has even greater compassion and love, desiring to meet this need for sweet Agatha!
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This Christmas, we have an opportunity to bring the hope and love of Jesus to families in Ukraine like the ones you have been meeting through our updates during the month of December. If you would like to contribute to meet any of these needs, you can give through our giving link, making a note of "disability ministry” under the comments to be sure your donation is designated to this disability ministry Christmas blessing. And as always, besides churches and individuals, businesses are also welcome to donate, and all donations are tax-deductible! Please don't hesitate to share this need as well, in order to get the word out!
We have one last, very special, family to introduce to you before Christmas, and only anticipate that God will continue to bring HOPE and joy to these last two families! Will you pray with your family in this season of giving and see which of these very real needs God may lay on your heart to give toward?
We are so amazed to see God build on the foundation laid during our first term by Special Touch Ministry! This Christmas project is being led by City Serve and Steve and Julie Kramer! Click to find out more about these ministries!
