Seed of Hope

Recently we had one of our couples return from school in Java. When they first came to Bethesda as young people, Mr. Lidaniel served in our chaplain department and Dr. Hanny served as a dentist. They met here and fell in love :) Then they joined MedGo which helped pay for their further education with the help of financial support of faithful donors. While they were away at school they also had a baby. Dr. Hanny returned to school for a Master's Degree in Oral Health and Mr. Lidaniel got further education in caring for children with special needs. This combined with his training as a chaplain perfectly gifts him to help care for some patients and families we have struggled to help. Here in Indonesia having a child with special needs is very difficult as there are few programs or helps in place.

When Mr. Lidaniel returned we were not sure exactly how God would open the doors and fund the program he hoped to start. But he found a place to call home for now in our old mission school (he is sharing the space with one of our missionary couples) and funding was found from a number of sources. He got to work ordering the supplies he needed and getting the word out. Patients were referred by our general doctors, our pediatrician, teachers in the area, our village health program and some just kind of showed up through God's provision. He already has 20 patients and I imagine that will continue to grow. He has even made trips to some of our remote villages where obviously it would be hard for families to make the trip here. Some of these families tell stories of their children having challenges since birth but many started experiencing their challenges after a severe infection like TB meningitis (when tuberculosis infects the lining of the brain).

So last week we celebrated the opening of his space - he calls it Seed of Hope. We dedicated and blessed it together knowing that it will bring hope, help, and comfort to many families who desperately it. Here are a few pictures from the dedication time...

Lots of equipment to help kids with motor development that is also fun

Kids and adults had fun exploring it 

This big ball was especially fun for one of our doctor's kids

After some play time we gathered to hear more about the planned ministry

There was a blessing by one of the chaplains

Pictured are just a few of the kids the program hopes to help

Please be praying for Mr. Lidaniel as he starts this program that he will be able to reach those in need. Pray also there will be no problems causes by sharing the space with our missionary couple.