My wife and I have been working in a closed Central Eurasian country since 1994. Before that we served 12 years in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Nothing we saw in India prepared us for the horror of a special needs orphanage we found in this closed country. 400 special needs children suffering in a garbage can the government called an orphanage. Children dying every week, lying in their waste, eating their waste. None of them knew what love was. We asked our supporting churches to pray and God began to do many miracles. Jesus himself showed those children what love was. It was awesome. The children began walking, singing, painting, expressing themselves, and contributing with their unique gifts. Besides academics, gymnastics, music and art, they learn how to work in a kitchen, on computers and in a sewing room. They love Jesus and freely express it.
Why Special Needs Orphans Pray for a Transition Center
The saddest day is when they reach the age of 17 and are sent to government institutions for Adults with Special Needs. We have watched hundreds drive off, beautiful young people full of joy and love from their relationship with Jesus. Most die within two years--conditions are extremely difficult. They have no hope. Love is again absent from their lives. There is no reason to live. The orphans know all this and beg not to be sent away.

God Answered Their Prayers
The special needs children pray every day for a place they can go to after the orphanage, a place where they can continue the progress they have made at the orphanage. In February 2006 an American couple gave us the property you see on the left. They had already invested $50,000.00 in it and were going to sell it for $100,000.00 but every time they prayed about it they saw Cindy's face. The day they offered it to Cindy, the children were having their prayer meeting. They did not know where Cindy was. One of the mentally retarded girls stopped praying and said "God has given us what we are praying for."
What They Will Do There
At the transition center we will offer special needs young adults training in life and occupational skills. We hope to start income generating projects from this--making furniture and equipment for special needs children, a bakery and cafe, etc. From the transition center they will move into semi independent living and working. The center will also be a resource for parents with special needs children. It will give us the opportunity to share with many.
What We Need to Open the Transition Center
When the building and property were given to us in 2006, the city architect estimated the reinforcements/renovations required by the city would cost $350,000.00. Due to inflation the cost has quadrupled. We have spent over $400,000.00 to date and need at least another $400,000.00 to finish. The woodworking shop to the left of the center (picture below) will cost another $250,000.00 to build and equip. Here we want to train special needs young men and women how to build physical therapy equipment.


Thank you for your help,

Mike

Please help us give these special needs young men and women a transition center to go to--a hope and a future.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)