Solange
Solange was born with a deformity in her knees which made it difficult for her to learn to walk. In many African cultures, this means that the child is not valued by the family – often the family may simply abandon the infant. In Solange’s case, however, she was kept by the family, but because of her disability – and because of the mysterious disappearance of some eggs – her father believed that Solange was actually a snake. Somehow, she was “found” by Nungu Magdalene, Founder and Director of the Center for Empowerment of Females with disabilities, and was brought to the school. In 2005, an orthopedic surgeon operated on her knees to reduce the deformity. She now wears braces to further correct her legs and to give support. Last month, when Magdalene was in Solange’s village to retrieve one of the children of CEFED, she gave Solange’s father a letter from Solange. His reaction was one of astonishment. “My daughter wrote this?” he kept asking. Magdalene assured him that she had, and added that Solange wants to become a minister (government official). Suddenly, his entire attitude changed. He began telling everyone whom he saw “My daughter is going to be a minister!” Solange was baptized this past December.
Oniel
This is just one of many stories we could tell you about the work of CEFED and the difference it has made in the lives of these precious children. One special addition to the programming for these children is the presence of Anna Castellano, a young physical therapist from Spain who is volunteering her services to CEFED for several months. Already we have noticed some changes in the motor skills of some of the children. Last Monday, with the assistance of the Jackson family, missionaries with SIL (Wycliffe), Anna began “hippo therapy” with five of the children. Hippo
therapy involves horseback riding to assist in developing balance and to stretch muscles to help the children develop motorically. What an exciting time for the children, and for Karissa Jackson! The photos do not adequately catch the joy of the children, most of whom have cerebral palsy and none of whom have ever been around a horse.
Other news:
- The term at the Centers for Biblical Studies ends in March. David has been teaching the Epistle to the Hebrews in Bafoussam, and another section of Hermeneutics in Bamenda. At the end of June, nearly 30 students will graduate from CBS—Bafoussam with degrees or certificates. In July, about 7 students will complete their studies at CBS—Bamenda.
- A new term at the CEFED Special Education Teacher Training Institute has begun. David is now teaching a course on Physical Disabilities. There are two more courses in the program of studies, which will be completed by mid-July. On the 8th of August, 69 students are expected to receive diplomas or certificates in Special Education Studies.
- On March 31, a team of 20 from the US will arrive in Bamenda for the second Harvest Project wheelchair distribution. 200 wheelchairs are crowed into Magdalene’s living room awaiting “delivery” to their new owners in Bamenda and Yaoundé (see the photo). These chairs are supplied through Joni and Friends International Disability Center, of which both Crossing Bridges and CEFED are affiliate members. The first such distribution was done in January 2007.
Your continued prayers are a valuable asset to our ministry! Pray for health and safety for us; pray for the students at each school; pray for the wheelchair outreach in early April; pray for the children of the CEFED school, several of whom have ongoing medical needs; and pray for Magdalene and Florence as they will soon resume evangelistic outreaches to villages where there are many disabled persons “hidden” away with no services and, often, without access to the gospel.
May the peace and blessing of God be with us all!
David and Florence Anderson
