MEET CEMIPRE
(Valparaíso, Chile)
Filled with fear and shame, Macarena took her first steps into CEMIPRE. These steps meant she was becoming one of “them”–a person with a disability. Macarena was young, fit, and working at a job she loved. She didn’t want to be disabled, even though she was diagnosed with degenerative low vision. A friend from church encouraged Macarena to checkout CEMIPRE. Over time, CEMIPRE helped Macarena understand her diagnosis. She could see this wasn’t the end of her life but a new chapter. Macarena is learning orientation and mobility using a white cane and Braille, but finding true community among the staff and others with disabilities has been the greatest treasure of all.
CEMIPRE provides occupational, speech, and language therapy; Braille instruction; and community literacy training all bathed in the gospel to adults and children.
GOD PROVIDED COMMUNITY FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED
CEMIPRE brings the visually impaired into community, equipping them with skills to be independent, and sharing the hope found in Christ.
PRAY
New participants require more hands-on attention as they navigate a new world of vision loss. With an influx of new participants (including several children with low vision or blindness), pray for CEMIPRE workers to have wisdom and continue to care for and encourage long-term participants well.
PARTNER
In addition to prayer, Oakseed’s bazaar catalog offers tangible ways to provide for CEMIPRE as they seek to serve the visually impaired, including:
- Braille or audio Bible: The gift of Braille and audio Bibles allows individuals to engage in the Word of God, learn how to read Braille, and understand the truths of the gospel.
- Cane repair toolkit: Canes experience wear and tear from frequent use. Damage compromises the reliability of the cane. Your gift will provide a toolkit to repair canes, allowing the user to continue to use this essential medical device.
- Counseling support: Some participants experience deep grief at the loss of their sight and would benefit from support beyond the typical program. Your gift will provide individual counseling sessions for one participant and their family.
- Raised garden bed: Your gift will build raised garden beds and provide an outlet for participants to learn how to garden without sight.
- Where most needed: Your gift will provide the resources to minister to the needs of blind children and adults through its training center.