Written by LCR Member Mark Wegmeyer
LCR has some special members who are not from Cincinnati, but live 2,000 miles away in Guatemala.
The Doppenbergs have been members for over a decade and serve as missionaries in rural Guatemala. Geoff and Rita’s family has grown over the years as their three sons are now married and starting families of their own. A couple weeks ago, Geoff and Rita were blessed with their fourth grandchild, as their son Gabe and daughter-in-law Wendy welcomed Noah James into the world.
Unfortunately, Noah has not had an easy entrance into the world. After a harrowing ambulance ride and delivery, Baby Noah arrived almost two months early and was immediately placed in intensive care on a respirator and feeding tube.
Although he is stable and gaining a little bit of weight, Noah is also fighting an infection. Since the hospital in Guatemala City where he is receiving care is two and a half hours away from home, Noah's family is living in a hotel near the hospital.
Guatemala is not like North America in many ways, including health care. There is no health insurance. Doctor and hospital care is pay-as-you-go. To receive adequate care, you must go to a “private” hospital, which can be very expensive.
Anyone who has experienced the fear, helplessness and pain of a traumatic birth, can attest to the anxiety of the sky-rocketing mountain of medical bills that follow. This, and the costs of living in the city, could amount to a crushing amount of debt.
Several LCR members have inquired about how they could assist Gabe and Wendy during this crisis.
Since they are many miles away, our prayers and donations are most effective.
This will be a long road for our missionary family—our friends who are always giving are now the ones in need.
Please pray for Noah and his family, and if you are compelled to help financially, please donate to Pastor Nicole’s discretionary fund. The donations in November will be sent to Gabe and Wendy.
To help out, place your donation in the offering plate marked "Pastor's Discretionary Fund" at church or give online.
Thank you.
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