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Your impact through Chris’ eyes
Transforming lives, one child at a time
By Chris Channon
After a year and a half of working with Hope and Healing International, I traveled to meet some of our partners and see your life-changing impact in action. I couldn’t wait to travel to Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda to spend time with kids and pray with parents — to hear their stories and connect with them however I could.
But the excitement wasn’t without anxiety, too.
As a person with a disability, I wondered how I would manage the long travel days, moving around 3 countries, navigating hospitals and home visits to meet children.
My fellow colleague and travel companion, Meagan and I visiting our partner hospital in Kenya
But all through the trip, I had a great support system through my travel companions and kind people along the way. They made sure I had what I needed, whether a wheelchair or a helping hand. Their support built my confidence and eased my worries, helping me engage with partners and be present with every child I met.
And even though I was a stranger to these kids and families, I immediately had their attention. As I wheeled through the hospital halls, the kids noticed that I was just like them. In fact, my disability helped me immediately connect to kids – like Misako.
Misako was the first child I met. This young girl from Tanzania had a brain injury and struggled with motor control. She depended on a wheelchair, but this courageous girl was eager to climb the stairs at the centre’s accessible playground, using the skills and strength she’d gained in physiotherapy.
But I could tell she was nervous.
So I got up from my own wheelchair and climbed those stairs – showing her that if I could do it, she could do it too! And, determined, Misako got right up there with me, and we climbed together. It was such a gift to stand with a child with a physical disability like Misako and show her that we can do anything.
I don’t know exactly what kids like Misako go through each day, but I understand what she’s facing. I get the challenge of physiotherapy and daily exercises because I’ve been there, too. I know what it’s like to feel limited by disability and wonder if I’d ever be able to get back up on my feet again.
That’s why seeing Misako tackle those stairs was nothing short of a miracle.
Cheering on Misako as she bravely tackled the stairs.
With each determined step, she shattered her own expectations. I watched her go from nerves and fear – the “What if I can’t do it?” – to joy and pride – the “I’m doing it!” – as she climbed each step. I got to see her heart begin to heal right in front of me as she broke down lies that tried to hold her back. I was blown away by her resilience and bravery.
Meeting Misako was a beautiful, tangible reminder of just how impactful this work is. And she was just one example of the real transformation happening for kids in hospitals across Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya.
Until this trip, I hadn’t truly experienced the heartbeat of our mission. I had read all kinds of stories and seen pictures of kids receiving care, but that didn’t come close to seeing this work for myself.
While away, I witnessed the challenges and triumphs of children like Misako who, despite overwhelming odds, hold onto hope. These kids choose to not be defined by their disability, and they prove to themselves and their families just how strong and full of potential they are.
I saw how this work is not just about healing physical impairments. It goes far beyond that. It’s also about providing the heart healing that helps kids like Misako see themselves as Jesus sees them: capable, resilient, strong, beautiful.
I am honoured to play my part in helping to transform lives, one child at a time. And I’m so thankful that Canadians like you stand with us, day after day, to see kids’ lives forever changed, in Jesus’ name. You truly are being His hands and feet, showing His tangible body and heart healing love to these vulnerable kids and their families. Thank you.
Every child’s healing journey is different, and prayers along the way make all the difference. That’s why we’re asking you to pray. We’ve gathered prayer requests from kids living in poverty with disability and requests from the nurses, doctors and staff that serve them. Order your FREE copy of Hope and Healing’s Miracles of Prayer Diary to pray with and for some of the world’s most vulnerable children today.