"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 
YOU CAN'T HELP ME
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I was beat with a stick. And a rod. And a hanger.
I had to work all day.
I was like a slave.
I was so tired, you know.
And I am angry. No one has ever loved me.

She cocked her little head and stared off into space. She is just 11.

You can't actually help me. I've been through too much.
There is nothing left for me to live for.
I'm unwanted. Unloved. Uncared for.
I just want to be dead. Then I wouldn't hurt so much.

She said these words with conviction. No tears. Just a far away look.

And as my arms reached out to hold her she pushed them away. Her body stiffened and she turned her head.  Don't, she said. You are wasting your time.

Our time over, she went back to her room, and I fell on my knees with tears falling that I could not stop. I cried out to the only Father I know that can take this little girl's brokenness and do a miracle in her heart. I begged Him to give me wisdom and grace to love and to find a way to help her feel love and to know that life IS worth living and that life IS a gift from her Heavenly Father.

I pray and I weep because I know that my tears will be placed in a bottle... somewhere in heaven where my Father will save them... and some day I believe that this little girl's sorrow will become joy and her mourning will be a song of dance. 

You have turned my mourning into dancing for me;
You have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.
Psalm 30:11
 
 
Charity Graff
Executive Director
The month of October was incredibly busy.

ADOPTIONS


We had two beautiful adoptions of precious children that have both been in our care for four (4) years. The obvious love and concern the adoptive parents had for these children made handing our children over to them easier than some. But these adoptions are happy-sad. Our hearts rejoice as our children find their forever homes but our hearts ache as we grieve the loss of a relationship and we try to reconcile all we have done for these children was right and good. Even as we say good-bye.
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NEW ADMISSIONS

As most often happens, just as we say goodbye, we turn around and new referrals are at the door. This month, 9 precious children came to Gentle Hands. Unwanted, unloved, abused, taken advantage of, and neglected beyond belief. We welcome them with open arms, our hearts still processing the loss of the others. And we tell them that we love them and there is hope for them to feel happy and to feel loved. The older ones are skeptical and stare with no emotion. The little ones are trusting and so very resilient.  They smile by the end of the first day in care. 
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MEDICAL


We were able to find an amazing surgeon to operate on our little girl that needed emergency surgery for a messed up colostomy. 
She will have another surgery next
month and one more after that and hopefully will be able to have normal body function for the first time in her life. 
We would like to sincerely thank the individuals who have generously sponsored this little girl surgeries.  Your gift has made a world of difference in this little girls life.

The little 5 month old that was rescued off the street, neglected by his 15 year old mother who was an addict to sniffing solvent, will have surgery next month for a very serious inguinal hernia. 

Another little girl that needs immediate surgery for a hole in her heart will be next month as well.

Please consider partnering with us to help support the needs of these two precious children. Without the generosity of financial support it is simply a struggle to be able to fund the medical costs needed for these children.
 

Make a difference and bless a child at Gentle Hands this Christmas.
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We would like to invite you to be a part of Gentle Hands Christmas appeal. For a gift of $50, each child at Gentle Hands will receive a new pair of shoes, a blanket and a pair of pajamas. We are looking for 100 generous donors to support this appeal.  
We can organize gift certificates if you would like to use this as a present
for someone this Christmas.

This simple gift can have a big impact. For our children to know that there are people, from all around the world, who love and care about them this Christmas season is the best gift of all. If you would like to be involved in our Christmas Appeal,
please email us at   [email protected].
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