The story below was written by Natalie Barnett. Natalie went to Camp LIFE 2008 and Gift is one of “her girls” that has forever found a place in Natalie’s heart.
Gift Phiri’s Story
Gift Phiri is a gentle-spirited and soft spoken 17 year-old Zambian girl that I was blessed to meet last summer at Camp LIFE. On first meeting Gift, her appearance did not hide her deprivation or circumstance in life; her sunken stature and down-turned eyes made it clear that her burdens were more than she could bare alone. I immediately wanted to hold her in my arms!
When I was able to share time with her and talk about her life situation, she explained to me the little that she seemed to know about the condition of her fragile heart. She told me that because it was enlarged and had moved, she was unable to do much physical activity; speaking for too long was even difficult.
Throughout the week of camp, she desolately and quietly watched the others dance and play games while she had to sit out. Watching this was almost more than my heart could handle. When she handed me a stack of cryptic medical records, trying to soak the tears that filled her eyes with a sponge she keeps in her pocket, I was burdened by her hopelessness and silent desperation. I touched her delicate hand, unable to hold back my own tears and prayers, and it was then that I knew I was being called as an advocate for this precious Gift!
The Need
God is so faithful and already providing a way for Gift. She is currently being sponsored in Family Legacy’s Father’s Heart Program and living in a LifeWay home. She is receiving monthly injections to help her with her heart condition. This means she is getting the proper nutrition, education, and care she needs. Not only have her living conditions improved, but her spirit has as well.
Later, after further tests and examinations, doctors were able to tell us she has a damaged mitral valve that is leaking and thickening, which causes the opening to close. While her heart is enlarged, it is managing to work well enough for now with the appropriate drugs, but this will not last. In order to have a chance to live, Gift needs to have mitral valve replacement surgery. Currently efforts are being made to ensure and arrange the most efficient and beneficial way to provide Gift with the necessary medical treatment, but we still need the funds. It is expected that all of this will cost at a minimum $10,000 and probably much more.
The Solution
Pray and Join the cause. Join us and Gift in praying for healing and resources.
Donate. We are so blessed here in this country. By making a tax deductible donation, you can help ensure Gift gets the medical attention she needs. Each of us has a chance to offer Gift a better life, show the love of Christ to Gift, and become a witness to her community. I am asking for your help to share the love of Christ to someone less fortunate. Will you send a tax-deductible “Gift to Gift” for her surgery today? You can donate online by clicking here and selecting Gift Phiri’s Heart Surgery. You can also write a check made out to Family Legacy and have Gift’s Heart Surgery written in the memo field. Checks can be mailed to:
Family Legacy Missions
5005 West Royal Lane Suite 252
Irving, TX 75063
Thank you so much for your help and for being a blessing, and for your continuing prayers for Gift.