Caring For Orphans

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In the Congo, polio is a growing problem. The numerous victims of the crippling disease include infants and school children. A bright spot on the horizon is the World Health Organization is working to eradicate polio from the Congo by vaccinating all children. However, until the disease is eradicated, the Diocese of Tshumbe needs to find a way to help the victims to function in society.

STATUS:

The Diocese would like to construct its own center for the physically disabled. This center would provide the following: - The necessary equipment to build the tricycles at the center - Adequate instruction for the physically disabled to learn a trade (i.e. dress making, artisan, etc.) - Literacy instruction -Elementary hygiene and health care. The total cost of the center is estimated at $100,000

COMMENTARY:

The victims of polio have no means to move or get about on their own initiative. Without a means of transportation, they have no choice but to crawl like small babies in order to be mobile. As you can imagine, they are extremely dependent upon those around them. Worse, without the means to be mobile, their personal and human dignity is compromised. In order for the afflicted young children to go to school or for older children to learn a trade they need to be furnished with tricycles. These hand-cranked tricycles are made in Kinshasa in a center for the physically disabled. Each tricycle costs approximately $200 to produce.

THE WORD OF THE LORD:

"AND WHEREVER HE WENT, INTO VILLAGES OR CITIES OR FARMS, THEY LAID THE SICK IN THE MARKETPLACES, AND BEGGED HIM THAT THEY MIGHT TOUCH EVEN THE FRINGE OF HIS CLOAK; AND ALL WHO TOUCHED IT WERE HEALED.."(Mark 6:56)