Special Hope Network reaches the intellectually disabled children of Zambia! 4 out 5 Zambian children that are intellectually disable die by the age of 5. Most of the children with a disability are set aside to die by gradually feeding them less and less each day. One story I heard was about a boy, Sam, who was one year old and weighed 10 pounds! Being that malnourished other complications set in and his destination was evident….until pastor Eric and his wife from Virginia stepped in to make a difference! They adopted Sam 5 years ago and altered the projection of his life! Now they want to reach and help more children in that situation.
Armed with a vision and 2 faithful church members from Virginia, Eric and his growing team are out making a difference! Special Hope Network is a faith-based organization caring for children with intellectual disabilities in Zambia by equipping families and caregivers to provide these children with a loving home, holistic health, and exceptional education and therapies. Their passion for this cause is evident from the very first conversation we had with them to the very end! Overflowing with stories, knowledge and a plan to reach this community!
One awesome aspect to this organization is empowering and equipping locals to do the ministry! They are raising up leaders and teaching them how to care for someone with disabilities, how to teach them, and other skills to be effective at their work. Providing jobs for people that have a passion for disabilities. The teachers they have in place are beyond amazing. The joy and patience on their face is as if they were teaching for the first time yet they have been faithfully working for over 2 years.
Another aspect that stood out about this organization is their passion to connect with the mothers. The mothers come to the lessons and learn how to work with their child at home to further develop them. Also it creates a support group for the mothers that are in the same situation, to lift each other up and talk through issues they face. Most parents are absent from their children growth but these women go out of their way each day to help their child at the Special Hope Network clinics. Its truly a win-win for the parent and child.
Special Hope Network is also creating a “how to” book for other ministries and passionate people in other countries. They have created a plan that is expandable and trying to be a resource for others who are seeking to reach children with disabilities. I truly believe in their vision, execution, and management of resources.
There is HOPE! Through God’s vision and a financial support group, they are able to change stories like Sam literally from death to LIFE!
How can you help?
The best way to help is through sponsoring a child! The money goes directly to that child and mother to cover the cost of food, medicine, and the clinic. Please read up on their website http://specialhopenetwork.com/ or email them or ask me questions!
Most importantly ACT! Pray for them! Sponsor a child and make a difference!
Be Bold in following what God has laid on your heart!
Be Intentional to reach out to foreign mission!
