“It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” EPHESIANS 4:11-13

PRAYER GUIDESeptember 2015

A GARBAGE CITY ON A HILL

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If there is a measurement for the amount of suffering allowed in a lifetime, it would seem that living in Garbage City would be “enough.”

Poverty is one thing. Being a cultural outcast is another. Living and working amongst mountains of trash is another thing entirely.

Mina Ayoub, Program Director of CURE Egypt, explains, “Garbage City is one of the poorest areas in Cairo. It is in the top of El Mokattem mountain. People there live a very hard lifestyle. Most houses do not have electricity and clean water; diseases are easily spread because of the poor hygiene. People isolate garbage by their hands without using gloves or masks.” In a literal application of adding insult to injury, the overwhelming majority of Garbage City’s inhabitants are Christians who have been displaced within their own country as a result of their faith.

In Garbage City, you aren’t just poor. You aren’t just an outcast. There is an implication that can’t be ignored: You are as disposable as your surroundings. You are worthless.

That seems like enough adversity for one life.

But it wasn’t enough, not for Saber and his wife Nermeen, who live on top of a mountain in Garbage City and welcomed their son Kerollos into the world with bowed legs.

Disability is hard. It’s hard everywhere, but especially so in the places CURE serves. For Saber and Nermeen, in the context of dealing with the daily hardship of living in Garbage City, disability was a new variety of suffering they did not expect to encounter.

Saber and Nermeen were determined to help their son. They found medical treatment and spent the entirety of their savings on his surgery. They quite literally gave him everything they had, and he was

healed.

Then they had another son, Youssef.

Youssef was born with bowed legs, too. They were shocked.

“You never end our misery.”

It was the only prayer Saber and Nermeen could offer. Their hearts ached with the cruel reality of their situation. Kerollos was healed by sacrificing everything they had. They had nothing left to give Youssef.

Saber and Nermeen’s son, Youssef

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They did the only thing they thought they could do. They started to save for Youssef’s surgery. But as the coins slowly piled up, so did the shame.

With each day that passed, Saber and Nermeen were reminded that Kerollos was healed and Youssef was not. Other people accused them of loving one son more than the other, not knowing what they had sacrificed for Kerollos and what they were willing to sacrifice for Youssef.

The shame was unbearable, so they kept Youssef at home, out of sight. They lived that way — hiding, saving, sorrowfully waiting — until another family from Garbage City told them about CURE.

Saber and Nermeen were overjoyed. They could not believe that free treatment was available for Youssef. After successful surgery through CURE Egypt, Youssef is walking on straight legs for the first time in his life.

The experience was just as healing for Saber and Nermeen as it was for Youssef. Before coming to CURE, they believed that God had no role in their lives. They felt like He was watching them suffer from afar. After Youssef’s surgery, their beliefs changed. They now have confidence that God can change impossible situations

Before, their only prayer was a prayer of brokenness: “You never end our misery.” As Youssef went into surgery, Saber emotionally offered a very different prayer:

“Thank You, God, that You taught us a good lesson. When we paid for surgery for the older son, we thought that we can put everything under control, and we forgot that You are the cause of all blessings. You gave us another disabled child and we had no more money. We couldn’t control anything until Your arms worked in CURE to help our child.”

Saber and Nermeen joined a group that provides education and emotional support for children and families who are living with disabilities. They are committed to helping other families from Garbage City find healing at CURE. When they talk about CURE and explain their experience, they talk about Jesus, and how He was kind to them.

In the Sermon on the Mount, just after turning the world upside down by calling the poor, the mourning, and the persecuted blessed, Jesus says this:

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

What could be more like Jesus than being present with those who live in this city on a hill in Egypt, filled with garbage and outcasts?

What could better mark us as His followers than following Him there, into the darkness, and filling it with light?

AFRICAETHIOPIAMedical Director Mary Bernard shared this story in a recent update: “There are a few families that have been identified by Ethiopian missionaries trained by CURE that have severe orthopedic disabilities. They have never been able to find help for their conditions. When they heard that there was help available, they were immediately asking to become Christians. After there is one seed of hope in such an area, it shines so bright that many see it and come.” We praise God for these important opportunities to serve those who have waited so long for healing of all kinds.

KENYAWe recently had a long-awaited visitor come to a mobile clinic in Kenya. Mark, pictured below, had surgery at CURE Kenya to release severe burn contractures in 2012. During Mark’s first follow-up visit in several years, Dr. Theuri, Medical Director, said, “He is doing very well, and the improvement is remarkable.” Everyone was so excited to see Mark again, and especially happy to see him doing so well. We praise God for the healing that has taken place in his life!

NIGERNurse Consultant Maureen Sloan offered the following reflection after a recent trip to CURE Niger: “Here in Niger, I see a lot of physical thirst due to lack of clean water and extreme heat of the desert. More than physical thirst, there are many who come through the gates of the CURE hospital who are disabled, discouraged, downtrodden, depressed, and desperate for the word of encouragement that is the Good News.” Please pray for the thirsty to find Living Water, in Niger and around the world.

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AFRICA (cont.)

MALAWIMpahtso, left, came to CURE Malawi to have surgery for a joint condition. His mother, Mwodaine, told us, “Mpahtso is my firstborn son, and I was so hurt and cried because I was always wondering how he will survive on his own when he grows up like this. But I didn’t lose hope, and I prayed for God to be the head surgeon and let the doctors just complete the work.” Mpahtso has recovered well and recently came back for a follow-up. Mwodaine told us how well they had been treated and how thankful they were to CURE. We praise God that though we treat, He is the One who truly heals.

UGANDAIn October, John Mugamba, Staff Neurosurgeon at CURE Uganda, will be relocating to Lusaka, Zambia. In exchange, Justin Onen, Staff Neurosurgeon at CURE Zambia, will relocate to Mbale, Uganda, where he will serve under the direction of Peter Ssenyonga at CURE Uganda. We look forward to the continued success of our neurosurgery programs, as well as an increase in our ability to heal more children at both locations. Please pray for a smooth transition for all involved!

ZAMBIAWe are pleased to announce that Rebecca Udermann will be joining the team at CURE Zambia in October! As Nurse Trainer, Rebecca will provide teaching and training to the ward and ICU nursing staff on proper techniques and procedures for treating patients. In addition, Rebecca will play a critical role in setting up our new ICU and in on-boarding additional nurses to staff the unit. Rebecca most recently served as a Pediatric Intensive Care nurse at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas, and prior to that as Staff Nurse and Director of the Medika Mamba Malnourishment Clinic in Montrouis, Haiti. Rebecca is no stranger to CURE, as she volunteered with CURE Zambia earlier this year. Welcome, Rebecca!

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AFGHANISTANWhen one of our ex-pat staff members in Afghanistan experienced a fall and suffered a dislocated shoulder, we were so encouraged by the immediate response of care and concern from the rest of the team at the hospital. We pray for a quick recovery and praise God for these moments of encouragement in the midst of trials.

PHILIPPINESThe team at the Tebow CURE Hospital recently completed their first spine surgery, and we are happy to report that it was a success! Arnel, right, a nine-year-old boy who aspires to become a doctor “like Dr. Tim” someday, had been suffering from spinal tuberculosis. He is now in the midst of recovering from surgery and could certainly use your prayers as he heals.

UAEPlease continue to pray for Oasis Hospital as they transition into the new building and plan the grand opening celebrations. Please also pray for the community as they adjust to the new building while hoping that the heart of the hospital stays the same. We’ve assured them that we are the same Oasis, just in a new location!

CURE ClubfootDr. Pascal, Country Coordinator for CURE Clubfoot Burundi, recently said, “I love to see a baby come in with a clubfoot, while his entire family is so worried, some are crying and hopeless, and to see that same family with joy and hope after the baby’s clubfoot is fully corrected. I love when they come and thank the health personnel. I am very happy and proud of my professionals.” We share his sentiments: we are so proud of our clubfoot professionals and thank God for the strong team He has assembled!

CURE HydrocephalusSeptember is Hydrocephalus Awareness Month! We praise God for the many children and families who have found healing thanks to CURE Hydrocephalus. This month, Dr. Ben Warf and a team of researchers will be visiting CURE Uganda. Please pray for a safe and productive visit as they conduct research regarding the treatment of hydrocephalus.

ASIA & SPECIALTY PROGRAMS

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NORTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA

DOMINICAN REPUBLICWe were blessed to have the Florida Panthers, an NHL team based out of Sunrise, Florida, visit CURE Dominican Republic last week. The players spent some time at the hospital and ran a hockey clinic for kids in Santo Domingo. Even their mascot, Stanley the Panther, joined in the fun, entertaining kids and families during devotions and clubfoot clinic! We praise God for a fun visit with the Panthers and are thankful for their willingness to serve.

BOARD AND STAFFA recent two-day strategic planning session began with these verses from Proverbs 16: “We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. People may be

pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” We praise God for this reminder that He is the One who directs

our plans and pray for His guidance as we move forward.

HOME OFFICEWe are pleased to announce the hire of Eric Allen Buchtenkirch as Radio Marketing Manager. Eric will be responsible for engaging existing Brant Hansen Show radio stations, planning CURE radio fundraising events, serving as an additional host during any on-air events, and following up with donors after the radio events. Please join us in welcoming Eric to the team!

We are also pleased to have Rick Manning joining us at headquarters in the temporary position of Director of Network Operations Support. Through the end of 2015, Rick will be working closely with the Executive Directors of our hospitals in the Dominican Republic and Afghanistan. In addition, he will be supporting a variety of network-wide patient safety and quality outcomes efforts. Thank you, Rick, for your continued contributions to CURE!

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We are always looking for talented, passionate people who want to join us in healing the sick and proclaiming the kingdom of God. We currently have a variety of job openings around the world. Know someone who would be a great fit for an opportunity listed below? Direct any potential candidate to https://cure.org/jobs for more information, and please join us in prayer over the hiring process.

AFGHANISTAN Director of Nursing , Pediatrician

DOMINICAN REPUBLICMedical Director/Orthopedic Surgeon

GLOBAL - OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATESCUREkids Coordinator (Contractor), Executive Director/Hospital Administrator, Orthopedic Surgeon (Adults), Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon

HEADQUARTERSVice President of Operations

KENYAAnesthesiologist

NIGERPediatric Orthopedic Surgeon

PHILIPPINESMedical Director/Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon or Anesthesiologist

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JOIN OUR TEAM JOIN OUR TEAM

We are always looking for talented, passionate people who want to join us in healing the sick and proclaiming the kingdom of God. We currently have a variety of job openings around the world. Know someone who would be a great fit for an opportunity listed below? Direct any potential candidate to https://cure.org/jobs for more information, and please join us in prayer over the hiring process.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATESClinical Pharmacist, CSSD Technician, Dermatology Specialist/Consultant (Female Preferred), Gastroenterologist, General Practitioner/Urgent Care Clinic, Graphic Designer, Neonatology Specialist/Consultant, OB/GYN Specialist/Consultant (Female), Orthopedic Surgeon, Pediatric Neurologist, Pediatric Rehabilitation Physician, Pediatric Specialist/Consultant, Pediatric Surgeon, Practice Manager, Radiologist, Registered Midwife, Registered Nurse, Urogynecologist (Female),

Urology Specialist

ZAMBIAPediatric Neurosurgeon, Pediatrician

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JOIN OUR TEAM