Hosiana is a three-year-old Tanzanian girl, with two loving parents and three siblings. Hosiana's parents are cattle breeders. Sadly, most of their cattle have died as a result of a persistent drought, and the few remaining cattle aren't healthy enough to attract buyers, so they are sold off at a loss for their family. In October 2021, Hosiana fell into a pit of flaming goat manure when she was playing with her friends. Her hands and the skin around her thighs were burned. Hosiana was given first aid at a local clinic, and received further treatment for her wounds at a hospital. After she had healed and returned home, Hosiana's mother noticed that Hosiana didn't have full range of motion of her hands. They were advised to return to the hospital, but lacked the funds to do so. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is stepping in to help. Hosiana requires several procedures, including burn contracture release of her right wrist and the third finger on her right hand, a skin graft, and the amputation of her pinkie finger. She will also need additional surgery on the rest of her body. All told, the family is seeking $1,088 to fund these procedures, which are scheduled for February 28th, at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. Hosiana’s mother says: “My daughter has never talked. Sometimes I wonder if the fire accident is what caused this. I hope that she gets treatment to make her feel better.”

Shurem is an 8-year-old boy from Kenya. He is the third born in a family of four children. His mother is a housewife while his father is a casual laborer who herds cattle for people in his community. However, the ongoing drought in the region has made it difficult for him to find work. The family is unable to raise the required funds to pay for medical expenses. Shurem has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Shurem has been experiencing an increasing head circumference. When Shurem was two years old, he started experiencing fevers which were managed with medication. A few days later, his parents started to notice his head was increasing in size. Despite a review from the hospital and the administration of medication, his condition only became worse, and he stopped walking. Late last year the community referred his family to BethanyKids first mobile clinic in their hometown Garissa County, as they had stopped seeking treatment for Shurem for a few years. The mobile clinic referred Shurem to BethanyKids, where he was examined and diagnosed with hydrocephalus. Without treatment, Shurem will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $720 to cover the cost of surgery for Shurem that will treat his hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 9th and will drain the excess fluid from Shurem's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Shurem will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. Shurem’s father says, “I feel very bad for my son as I cannot help him in any way. I want him to be well and back in good health.”

Lu is a 63-year-old man who lives with his wife and niece in a refugee camp in Thailand. He is unemployed, while his wife is a homemaker, and his niece is a student. Lu enjoys going to the forest to fish in the steams and to forage for vegetables. He shared he also likes to read the Bible and to sing hymns. Lu developed cataracts in both of his eyes. As a result, his vision is blurry and impaired, which makes it difficult for Lu to lead an independent life. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund lens replacement surgery for Lu. On January 19th, doctors at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital will perform a lens replacement procedure, during which they will remove Lu's natural lenses, and replace them with intraocular lens implants. After recovery, Lu will be able to see clearly again and get back to his day-to-day life. Now, he needs your help to fund this $1,500 procedure. Lu said: “I feel so annoyed and uncomfortable when I try to look around me, so I will often just close my eyes,” he said. “I want to receive surgery so that my vision can be restored.”