Starting to Reach Families

One of our Covenant Church village pastors has a 9-yr-old son with severe spastic cerebral palsy. They were my original first choice as house parents, but they declined my offer. Part of the reason I offered that was so that they'd have access to all the services we could provide.

I do plan at some point for us to be a resource to families who have children with special needs--to offer free evaluations, physical therapy, early intervention, etc., but with the abandoned children I've committed to not yet sponsored in an ongoing way, it's hard to commit to other kids. I want to, though, because I see helping families as a proactive way to combat abandonment.

Well, the pastor and his wife came to us last week and asked for help with their nine-year-old son, and they really do need it. He has a severe contracture in one arm, he has never been exercised, and his hemoglobin is at 7% and PCV at 24. He has febrile seizures and severe spasticity and is not on any supplements or meds. His mom has chest pain from carrying him around.

We gave their family two cans of Pediasure, medication for spasticity, two sweaters, and some cash. I also gave them my children's old umbrella stroller so that he'd have a place to sit and wouldn't always be lying on his back, and so his mom could have a break from carrying him now and then. Our physio and early interventionist evaluated him and gave the family some ideas and instruction. We got some x-rays and blood tests done so that we'd be able to follow his progress. They asked for diapers as well, but I didn't feel we were able to spare any right now. I did tell them I'd get their son's release surgery done if they wished to have it done, and let them know that they could come in any time and get therapy or join a class.

I also urged them again to come and work with us, to take a closer pastorate and care for kids so that their family's needs could come under our budget, but again they turned me down on that. It's a big job and a person does need to be called to it, so no judgment there, but it would make things easier. What I'm doing for their son I'm doing by faith that we will not only have enough to meet the needs of the children we've committed to and others like them, but that we will be able to serve families in our community and the surrounding villages in a greater way as well.