This month marks our third anniversary of the launch of Johnny’s Kids.
There are six children with special needs who are enrolled in our Johnny’s Kids program: Chinielo, Daphne, Lancy, Neissa, Nadia and Pierre Richard. Over the past two years, the Lord has worked in miraculous ways in each of their lives.
Every day, we are witnesses of the truth that love speaks no language. It breaks through any boundary. The love of Jesus is truly the greatest of all—and it changes these children’s identity and future by the day.
Countless people have been containers of Jesus’ love to transform their lives. Dozens of physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists have provided therapy to improve their quality of life, and hundreds of volunteers travel to Haiti to spend the week loving on Johnny’s Kids.
When Pierre Richard joined Johnny’s Kids, he was one of the most stoic boys you had ever met. Today, he is no longer defined by a physical disability. His smile is contagious, and he is incredibly bright and strong. And be prepared, Pierre Richard is undoubtedly ready to dominate you in a game of soccer at any time.
Nadia couldn’t walk or stand on her own when she was enrolled in Johnny’s Kids in February 2015. She was paralyzed as a child due to a horrific punishment for a child-like mistake. But Nadia’s story doesn’t end there. Today, she is a testimony of God’s divine healing and power. She can now walk and is no longer homebound. Her smile is a radiant reflection of God’s glory.
Chenielo used to have eyes filled with hopelessness. Smiles were rare and there were deep scars from years of neglect and rejection. Today, his spirit has been healed and he overflows with joy. This boy knows that he is deeply loved and has an incredible future ahead of him.
Daphne, Lancy and Neissa used to be viewed as “cocobai” which means “worthless” in Haitian Creole. They lived in hostile environments and face extraordinary challenges due to physical disabilities. Today, these sweet girls know and believe that they are fearfully and wonderfully made. Their smiles will melt your heart, and their lives radiate the light of Jesus.
This next year holds so much promise. Hundreds of people are signed up to serve on a LiveBeyond mission trip to work with Johnny’s Kids, and construction of Johnny’s House will be begin this year.
And the impact that has been made wouldn’t be possible without our incredible volunteers. You are not only our heroes, but the heroes of Johnny’s Kids. Together, we’re making a difference in their lives in the name of Jesus.
We’re expectant to see how God continues to transform lives of children with special needs. There has been a shift in the hearts and attitudes of the Thomazeau community, and they are beginning to see the worth and potential of every individual with special needs.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. The best is yet to come!
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