Helping Matilda

Her name means “mighty or strong in battle.” I’m not sure her parents knew that when they named her, but it fits her.  God knew that.

Before the age of five, Matilda was a little girl most likely doing what most little girls do in African villages. They run and play and help their families with chores.

And then … she developed spinal tuberculosis, and lost movement of her legs. 

At age 7, Kathleen Schwartz, of the Villages of Hope, Zambia (click here to learn more about VOH on their blog),  met Matilda. She was sitting outside of her hut, unable to walk.  God began to unfold a series of events through His placement of Kathleen in Matilda's live,  and she was eventually treated with antibiotics and surgery to help her spine. Now she lives at the Villages of Hope, where we visited this past summer and where we met this remarkable little girl.

Yes, she is mighty and strong.  This little girl is an inspiration to all who meet her. She perseveres with her peers, keeping up as she swings her half paralyzed legs along with the use of a walker. She is ever smiling and bringing joy.  She does not hesitate to be involved and try her best.  She loves life and she loves the Lord.

But, she needs some more help.  God has ongoing plans for Matilda. She will be travelling to the United States for surgery, where a team of doctors and health care professionals agreed to treat her for free!

Procedures are underway to secure a visa, passport, etc… and, although $10,000 has been raised to help pay for airfare and other expenses, a bit more would help.

It’s true, isn’t it? God uses His people to love His people.

Would you consider being a part of His story for this little girl?

1.     Please pray for her and all the details that need to come together RIGHT NOW.  If it’s the only thing you do, it will make a difference!

2.     Consider following her story and praying for Matilda on an ongoing basis. You can find more about her story at www.matildaspath.wordpress.com .

3.     Consider make a financial contribution to help with expenses while she is in the United States. You can do this through pay-pal, located at the above e-mail address.

Thank you.  We just never know what God is doing. It is a privilege to be a part of His work, loving people, drawing them to Himself, giving them a hope.

May you be blessed because of your love.