I was making a frequent stop at the local dry cleaner recently.  The young gal behind the counter had a pin on her shirt that said, “today is my birthday.”  I wished her a happy birthday and asked how old she was today.  Her response rocked my world…..”18″ she said.  I could hardly wait to turn 18 years old so I could donate blood!”  Wow, how many “other” responses did I think was going to come out of her mouth.  Did you think she would say, “so I could date” or “could have a drink” - no, she was excited to turn 18 so she could donate blood to the Red Cross.  Listen to her response.  “Yea, I always wanted to donate my blood so I could help save someone’s life.”

Isn’t that exactly the joy Jesus was talking about when he was facing the cross?!  His blood was going to save my life and your life!  Last year I had cancer surgery and received two blood transfusions.  During the course of the past year, I have asked God to bless that unknown person for donating their blood to save my life at that time.  How much more TODAY should we all thank God for His blood that has saved us once and for all!  Amen!

Throughout 2008, ISOH/IMPACT partnered with friends like you to offer critical medical rehabilitation and hope to 12 children and adults.

Aziza is one of the special children who received life-saving medical attention through the Children’s LightHouse. Born in Tajikistan with a perforated anus, Aziza was given a death sentence. There were simply no options for treatment in her home country, and famine made it impossible to give her the special nutrition she would need to stay alive.

ISOH/IMPACT answered by helping Aziza and her grandmother to receive emergency visas to come to the U.S. Here, doctors graciously agreed to treat Aziza at no cost. Today, this precious baby is alive, healthy, and growing stronger each day. Thank you for partnering with us to provide hope and life to this special family. View the 2008 audit.

Start serving God and get involved in His interests.  If you do, watch God revolutionize your life for His glory!  Call today and find out how you can volunteer at ISOH.

Susan Gerken/Jesus Girl

The harvest from the gardens will be used to feed the residents at the Children’s LightHouse and hungry families across our community.

We visited a gypsy village called Samakov where a church has literally sprung out from the building that was the local trash dump. The church emptied that building and began having services a little more than ten years ago. Today, it is literally bursting at the seams. We visited the church for a Sunday evening service of over 1200 people in attendance. We were told others were discouraged that they literally could not fit in the door. They were seating people on the stage, the stairs to the balcony, and anywhere else they could physically be able to participate. 
 
This area is one of the poorest in Bulgaria, but people are flocking to the church. It was a place of fighting between families before the church came. The scene has been drastically changed. So, why am I telling you about all of this? Our help is needed. Could they do it on their own? Probably in time, but what if we were capable to help them now and didn’t? Can we really look away? There are programs established, but they cannot keep up with the need. They need help with food and supplies. Children need sponsors so they can read and write. The building needs to be expanded. God is moving in this place, why not be a part of it. Consider how you can partner with us today to make an everlasting change in the life of the children and families of this place.

Mission Team Members were:  Linda A. Greene, RN Ph.D., President & CEO of ISOH/IMPACT, Bob Lalonde, Vice President and Renee Lalonde, Board Member

The Children’s LightHouse, a ministry of ISOH/IMPACT celebrated it’s first birth of  Daniel Denis Ulianov born to Albina and Denis Ulianov at 4:09 a.m. on February 17, 2009 at Mercy Children’s Hospital.. Daniel weighed 6.9 lbs. and was 20 inches long at birth. Daniel’s parents, Albina and Denis, are the directors of Mayak (The LightHouse) in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, a close ministry partner of ISOH/IMPACT.

Thanks to your support you help make this family have a warm and safe place to stay during the medical treatments for the family. The Children’s Lighthouse is supported by the gifts of caring people just like you.

Albina underwent successful heart surgery through The Children’s LightHouse ministry in May 2004, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Maumee, OH. She then returned to Tajikistan where she met her husband Denis. Together, they founded the community-based organization Mayak,  which is dedicated to providing relief and development to impoverished families throughout Tajikistan.