Saturday, April 11, 2009

The "Crystal" Project

Last year we took on our biggest project to date. The social workers at Wolfson Children's hospital asked us if we could help provide a wheelchair accessible van for Crystal Jones who was born with Spina Bifida. Crystal had a power wheelchair but her family's van could not accomodate it. This meant that Crystal had to crawl from her chair to their van. We weren't sure we could take on something of this magnitude but God reminded us that although we can't -He can! Thanks to all of the wonderful people who partnered with us we were able to raise $15,000 and the Jones family traded in their existing van for the beautiful van pictured. Crystal was so excited. This van has made a world of difference for their family. It has given Crystal such independence. Her mom states that sometimes Crystal goes out and gets in the van and does her homework while watching a movie. It also has allowed Crystal and her dad, who both play saxophone, to travel and do concerts at different churches. We would like to thank all of the people who contributed to this project for making such a difference in the name of Jesus Christ, in the life of this deserving young lady.

The "Joshua" Project

Our current project is for a little boy named Joshua who was born in June 2008 with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) a motor neuron disease. The motor neurons affect the voluntary muscles that are used for activities such as crawling, walking, head and neck control, and swallowing. Joshua has had numerous surgeries performed on him with the latest being a tracheotomy which requires him to be ventilated at all times. Joshua's condition has created a need for a vehicle with doors that open wide to allow him to be placed in the vehicle while still attached to his ventilator. It also needs to have enough space for his equipment such as the ventilator, heater, oximeter, suction machine, his cough assist machine, and a couple tanks of oxygen. The family's current vehicle is too small and they are financially unable to purchase a vehicle at this time. They have asked for assistance in purchasing a used minivan in good running condition.

Christ's Starfish Foundation has pledged $2,000 to the "Joshua" Project. We need to raise another $3,000 to $5,000 in order to fulfill this need. If God leads you to help little Joshua, please send your donation to Christ's Starfish Foundation, 1175o Coastal Lane West, Jacksonville, FL 32258. Please notate "Joshua" project on the memo portion of your check. Please know that all donations are tax deductible and 100% of your contribution goes directly to purchase a van for Joshua's family. We need the help of our partners to make this request a reality.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Journeys with Christ

Christ's Starfish Foundation has a new radio broadcast, and we are excited to share it with you! Every Saturday night at 11:00pm eastern, you can tune in to hear Journeys with Christ, a show about ordinary people with extraordinary stories to share because of the way that Jesus Christ is at work in their lives. This week's guest is Rene Williams, a breast cancer survivor who recently lost her husband after his own battle with lung cancer. The story that she has to share is one worth listening to. Her unwavering faith in the Lord throughout these storms in her life is definitely an encouragement. During her husband Johnny's illness, she maintained a blog where she shared their journey and her heart. If you would like to listen to her story, go to www.wayradio.org at 11:00 on Saturday night. We think that you will be blessed!