Olira is a sweet two-year-old boy from Ethiopia, whose joyful spirit brightens the lives of his parents and younger sister. His name, which means "From above," was chosen by his father in the hope that Olira's healing will come from a higher power. Olira loves to play with his sister and share precious moments with his family. Olira's father had qualified to attend university, but could not afford the tuition. Instead, he chose to enroll into a diploma course in agriculture in his hometown, and now earns a living as a gardener in the city. Unfortunately, his income is not enough to support the family, especially during recent challenging times. Olira’s uncle and other young people in the area find work in the woods burning charcoal for sale, but Olira's father is unable to join them due to a liver problem. When food runs low at home, Olira often visits his uncle's house to find something to eat. The past three years of drought have made farming nearly impossible, leading to severe food shortages in the region. As a result, Olira and many other children are not getting the nutrition they need. Olira's father wakes up early each day to search for work, often skipping meals himself to save money for the family's dinner. Olira was born with a condition called hypospadias, which affects his urinary function. Without treatment, he will continue to experience discomfort and could face future medical complications. His father took Olira to a local referral hospital but was faced with the heartbreaking reality of needing to purchase medicines, gloves, syringes, and other supplies that their family simply cannot afford. Desperate for help, they returned home without the treatment Olira needs. The family had received some support from church members to get to the referral hospital, but they quickly ran out of funds after paying for transport and initial medical expenses. A friend suggested reaching out to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids MyungSung Christian Medical Center (BKMCM), known for its commitment to supporting families in need, and church members provided some assistance with transport. However, the challenge of affording ongoing medical care for Olira remains a significant hurdle. Fortunately, our medical partner Africa Mission Healthcare is helping Olira receive treatment. He is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on August 8th that will restore normal bodily functions, improving his quality of life. Now, Olira's family needs help to fund this $1,293 procedure. Olira's father says: “I hope that my son will heal after the surgery. God is my source of hope. I will praise God if I see my child heal and be able to pass urine normally.”

Enock is an elderly man from Lilongwe District in Malawi. He is a retired carpenter, who used his skills to build a two-bedroomed house that he rents out for income. He says he is lucky to have a wife who supports him, and grandchildren who keep him on his feet. Two months ago, Enock started experiencing painful urination followed by what felt like a closure of the urethra and he could not pass urine or stool. He sought medical help at a local hospital where he was diagnosed with an enlarged prostate and a catheter was placed. He was given a follow up appointment for five months later and that is when he decided to visit our medical partner's care center Nkhoma Hospital. The diagnosis was confirmed and an open prostatectomy was recommended, which is surgery to remove part or all of the prostate. Unfortunately, Enock is unable to pay the total cost of treatment. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Enock receive treatment. On June 6th, surgeons at Nkhoma Hospital will perform a prostatectomy, relieving him of his symptoms and improving his quality of life. Enock is able to contribute $57.77 towards the cost of his treatment and needs help raising $530 more to fund the procedure. Enock says, " I am hopeful that the surgery will provide me relief and I will be able to function normally again.”

Narith is a 31-year-old grocery seller from Cambodia. He lives in Kandal province with his elderly parents, one younger sister, and his niece. Narith works with his parents in their home grocery store, while his sister is employed at a private company. In his free time, Narith enjoys listening to music. Around two weeks ago, Narith's mother discovered a growing lump in his right shoulder. The lump has irregular borders, is movable, and feels uncomfortable. It is painful when he has to carry bags or boxes on that shoulder. He is concerned that the lump may grow bigger if not removed, potentially interfering with his normal activities. Narith traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On August 2nd, surgeons at Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), will remove the mass. Narith has contributed $50 towards his medical costs but needs help raising the remaining $223 in funds. Narith said: "I hope the lump is removed and it will not return."