“Mom and dad, I have a baby.”
The news from their college-aged daughter came as a shock to Mark and Brenda Young.
Amber, who was attending a summer camp in Honduras at the time, had mentioned nothing of expecting a baby.
But after her parents learned the details, it changed their lives forever.
You see, Amber had discovered an abandoned baby boy in the church building she attended.
She scooped the boy up and took him to various hospitals and orphanages, yet none would take him in due to his clubfoot and Down Syndrome.
Sadly, this situation is all too common. Children with disabilities, especially those in impoverished regions, are often ignored and discarded.
Mark and Brenda Young’s hearts were broken for the little boy and all those children in his same situation.
But through this little boy, they sensed God was calling them to fight for the neglected and to raise up high the lowly.
And they obeyed that call.
At first, the Young family provided medical care to children in need as cases arose. They flew several children to the United States to stay in their home while they received medical care.
Through this, they saved lives and built lasting relationships with these families.
However, they knew this was not enough.
So, they packed their bags and moved to Trujillo, where they worked with surrounding organizations to establish Manos Chicas in 2002, and the ministry has been growing and improving ever since.
Today, Manos Chicas has 11 staff members serving 38 students. The center offers physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and special education.
The staff at Manos Chicas embodies God’s love in the way they serve, honor, and restore children with disabilities.
Sofia’s story is one of many.
The doctors told Gladis that her baby girl, Sofia, would not live for much longer due to her spina bifida condition.
Gladis was shaken by this news and began praying fervently to God for help. The Lord answered her prayer when staff at the Trujillo Hospital connected her with Manos Chicas.
Manos Chicas welcomed Sofia into their care in 2013 when Sofia was just 2 months old.
Right away, Sofia started physical therapy and early stimulation. She also received speech and occupational therapy, as well as financial assistance for doctors’ visits and prescriptions.
Not only did Sofia make it to age 4, but she was also walking!
Today, Sofia is in the first grade and has grown to be independent. She eats, dresses, and walks all on her own. She also speaks clearly and communicates effectively.
She currently attends a regular school in Trujillo and attends Manos Chicas two days a week for reinforcement in reading and writing.
Manos Chicas Corezones Grandes has been changing the way people in Trujillo think about disabilities.
All it took was one couple to say “Yes” to God’s call. In the beginning, they didn’t have it all figured out – they simply took the next step in faith.
What is God calling you to do today? How can you take the next step in faith?
Remember, God does not call us to have it all figured out, He just wants us to be obedient with what we have.
For those who are followers of Jesus, God invites you into His mission of reconciliation.
What passions and skills has God given you to use for His purposes?
Say “Yes!” to God’s invitation – and may you be in awe of Him.
