Dear Friends and partners in ministry,
We are so excited for what God continues to do in Peru through the ministries, outreaches, and church events that Camino de Vida facilitates. This update I wanted to highlight a few testimonies from one of our biggest outreaches that we do.
In 2003 Kristin got in contact with an organization called Free Wheelchair Mission, “an international nonprofit organization dedicated to providing wheelchairs for the impoverished disabled in developing nations.” Over 49,000 chairs later, Camino de Vida continues partner with FWM to get wheelchairs to people who need them most.
Not only is it an amazing organization but it is run by a staff and board that is truly committed to making a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. It is an honor to partner with them and with you in continuing to serve Peru for the gospel.
After sending some financial support to Kristin and I (http://nickandkristinbalcombe.com/partner) so we can continue to reach people here in Peru please check out their web page at http://www.freewheelchairmission.org and consider donating 59.20 and change a life!
Please enjoy the testimonies below and share in the thanks that people give to CDV and FWM because without your support we would not be able to do what we do!
Blessings,
Nick and Kristin Balcombe
Happiness for Paolo
Paolo Moisés Carranza Pozo was born thirteen years ago in Lima, Peru. He came into the world without any type of complication. It wasn’t until he was 11 months old that he began suffering with vomiting, diarrhea, and convolutions. His parents took him immediately to the hospital, but a medical negligence would change their lives forever.
“When my boy was entered into the hospital, I thought that he would soon get better – but that didn’t happen. Things got more complicated and I decided to transfer him to a children’s hospital. It was there that they gave us the terrible news; my baby had been over-hydrated by an injection that was made directly into his head. Consequently, he suffered a stroke that developed into cerebral palsy.
“I couldn’t believe it. I was devastated.” Recalls Paolo’s mother.
Then came another blow, years later she separated from her husband.
“Thank God, he still sends money to take care of our son, but the lack of his father has greatly affected him, he no longer puts a lot of effort into his therapies. So, I had to do something to bring back the happiness in the life of my son.”
When Paolo’s mother heard that their district’s municipality, with the help of Free Wheelchair Mission, was donating wheelchairs, she saw the opportunity for her son to smile again.
“I know that the lack of a father will always affect him, but if he had something to move around in and distract himself with, it would help him a lot. Not just him, but me too. I also have to take care of my two other children.”
The happiness was great among Paolo’s house when his wheelchair arrived a few days later.
Paolo’s mother expressed these words to us, “I am very happy, thank you so much. You don’t know how much we needed a wheelchair, but we couldn’t afford to buy one. Now this dream has come true. Thank you, my boy will be able to go outside and be with other children. I’ll be able to take him out wherever I go and still be able to take care of my other children. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. This wheelchair will give my son more liberty, and the most important thing for me is to see him happy.”
Full Name: Paolo Moises Carranza Pozo
Address: Sector 2 Group 25 Mz. F – Villa el Salvador
Heart of a Mother
Due to some complications at birth, little Kelly stayed too long in the womb of her mother; this led the amniotic fluid to directly damage her brain causing moderate mental retardation and stunting her ability to hear and speak.
Kelly's grandmother told us, "When my daughter realized that Kelly was special, she did not want to take care of her. She said that it would be better give her away or sell her, that broke my nurturing heart, and although we were poor I decided to raise my granddaughter as my own daughter."
It's been 13 years and now Kelly Alondra Antón Salas is a teenager who lives with her grandmother, her aunt and her 11 year old and four month old cousins in a small room, located in a popular neighborhood in Lima, Peru. To survive her grandmother and aunt work selling food on the streets.
"Kelly needs a lot of care, therapy, and especially a wheelchair to move around and carry her everywhere. Now she is bigger and neither my mother nor I can carry her all the time. We'd love to buy one, but we just don't have enough money." her aunt told us.
“The opportunity came when Camino de Vida, with the support of Free Wheelchair Mission, notified us that a wheelchair was on its way, and completely free. The news was overwhelming, and we accepted the chair, with joy and thanksgiving!”
"Our life has not been easy. We've gone through many hard times. That is why we are very grateful to Camino de Vida and Free Wheelchair Mission, to meet a need like this. Now I won't have to carry my granddaughter all the time. You do not know how relieved I am - I am an elderly woman and I'm not as strong as I used to be. Plus, I will be able to take her everywhere and especially to my work where I will be able to watch her at all times. God has always been there helping us. This gift can be one more confirmation for us in how much he cares for us, “added Kelly's grandmother.
Seeing her new wheelchair, Kelly could not contain her joy, and although unable to speak, she gave us a thumbs-up and made us understand that she was very happy.
Full Name: Kelly Alondra Anon Salas
Address: Mz.I Lt.1 Group 3 – Villa el Salvador
o received a micro loan. She expressed that she was so grateful to God and to CDV Alcance for allowing her the opportunity to grow her small Popsicle business. With the capital that she received she will be able to buy more supplies which will allow her to make and sell more popsicles.