From the Heart of a Child

This issue of World Radio News is focused primarily on what God can do and will do through the hearts of children, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” MK 10: 14-15.

About a year ago an 11 year old girl named Brittany was involved in a tragic auto accident. Brittany and her family were in the process of moving to Katy, TX when the accident occurred. Brittany was thrown more than 60 feet from the car and was left with multiple life threatening injuries which included; a broken back, broken ribs, a broken hip, a broken nose and a collapsed lung. She was rushed to a hospital in Houston, Texas where her family was told that there wasn’t much hope of survival, but if she did survive, she would probably never walk again. While there she underwent back and hip surgery, and was then transferred to Chicago Shriners Hospital to undergo therapy for her spinal cord injury. Brittany, like many girls her age, was participating in dance class and because of her abilities, she was selected as a Junior Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader. Injuries of this magnitude would be devastating to any adult. How much more would this impact an 11 year old girl who is just beginning her life?

A sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Culpepper, at Ouachita Christian School here in Monroe, Louisiana heard about this accident and asked her students to write cards and letters of encouragement to Brittany and her family. The students were happy and enthusiastic about writing to her, but there was one particular letter that was written that touched the heart of Brittany and her parents. The following letter was copied word for word from a 12 year old boy named Garryn.

We Love You

To Brittany

From Garryn

“This is the verse I am praying for you, “Then Jesus said to the paralyzed man, get up and go home. Then the man got up and went home, and all the people were amazed.”

I really hope you are doing better. I hope you read this card, and enjoy all the others. Don’t let your dreams fall to be a dancer. My cousin had a tumor and they told him he might not play football, but through the work of the Lord he is 9 years of age and playing his favorite sport, football. So keep working hard. I am 12 years old and I am praying for you. So don’t let your dreams down. We will keep praying and all of OCS (Ouachita Christian School) is praying for you, so you will get better if you pray. But don’t forget God is on your side.”

This young boy also told Brittany that he would pray to God to allow her to dance again. Isn’t it awesome to see such faith and compassion from one so young?

In June of 2009, parallel bars were set up for Brittany to walk on stage at the Cinderella Texas State Finals. She walked to the bars with crutches and as she reached the stage, she released the crutches and completed her routine. She received a standing ovation with not a dry eye in the crowd. Brittany is also planning on performing with the Dallas Cheerleaders during halftime at this year’s Thanksgiving Day football game.

As Brittany’s health improved, she told her parents she wanted to meet this boy who had written such words of encouragement to her, so in September 2009 she traveled to Monroe along with her parents for a surprise meeting of Garryn and his classmates. Garryn, now in seventh grade, was participating in a play during their school chapel that morning when, after walking two flights of stairs with her crutches, Brittany opened the doors and walked in with her family. After the completion of the play, Mrs. Culpepper reminded the students of Brittany and the accident and told of that very special card that was sent to her. Brittany was introduced for the first time to Garryn and his classmates who had been praying for her. There she stood with her little pink crutches and a great big smile as the applause grew, people stood, and tears flowed. Brittany was able to tell Garryn “Thank You” for taking the time, not only to write such kind words of encouragement to her, but also how those words inspired her to keep believing that she would one day walk again. Isn’t it so refreshing to hear of a 12 year olds belief in God’s healing power?

Friends, our heavenly Father is the same today, tomorrow and for all future generations to come. He is the only way to true holiness and healing, and we must share this good news by our outwardly actions. Please remember that sometimes to change the world, we have to start with the attitude of a child’s heart. Help us bring healing to the world for generations to come!

How you can help:

Gifts of Cash of course are the simplest and easiest ways to give.

Gifts of Appreciated Property create great benefits to you the donor, such as being able to receive regular tax savings, and avoiding the capital gains tax on qualified assets given for charitable use.

A Will or Living Trust can establish a lasting legacy, one that will continually provide funds that will help spread the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout the lands.

A Life Insurance Policy that has fulfilled its original intent could offer excellent tax benefits.

A Gift Annuity that provides an income and offers a tax advantage for you and/or someone else is an option that offers a way of receiving regular payments for life or another period of time.