According to a report by the Armenian Bible Society, most children with autism are often disregarded in their country. In fact, there were no information circulated about this developmental disorder until after the 1988 earthquake, when foreign medical teams noticed a huge number of children with autism among those they treated. Without information, autism was greatly misunderstood. As a result, families with autistic children were ashamed, and those with autism grew up without proper skills-training.

The Bible Society in Armenia initiated the program, “Out of Sight but Not Out of Mind” to support families of children with autism. The Bible-based resources teach them about God’s love, hope and comfort. At the same time, children undergoing therapy in partner-centres learn important life-skills through Bible reading and interaction with other children over Bible-based activity books.

“Before I participated in the Bible study, I thought that having an autistic child is God’s punishment. Many times, I was ashamed of my child and tried to keep him at home. In our Bible study classes, I learned that ‘God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him.’ This verse changed my life, I understood that my son is created in God’s image and I should love him and not be ashamed of him.” – Lusine (Mother of an autistic child)

Cancer affects millions of lives around the world. It does not torment the afflicted alone – it also affects the entire family, subjecting them to emotional, mental and financial suffering. CBS partners in Nicaragua and Romania recognize that God’s Word is a source of strength, hope and peace for those going through their cancer journey. The Bible Society programs provide illustrated Bibles for children with cancer and their families. Regular hospital visits, prayer time and Bible study also offer great encouragement for the families.

“The Canadian Bible Society contribution is so vital and it makes a big difference in helping to cure cancer in the children’s lives and help their families.” Dr. Patricia Calderon (Head of the Oncology Department, La Mascota Hospital in Managua, Nicaragua)

Every year, about 1,000 children under 18 are diagnosed with cancer. Percentage of recovery is less than 50%. Due to this fact, Ukraine has the highest number of fatalities caused by malignant neoplasms among children in Europe. The same is true with Tuberculosis (TB); Ukraine is still one of the countries with the greatest number of TB cases in Europe, particularly among children.

While many organizations provide for their physical needs, the Bible Society in Ukraine is focusing on providing spiritual and emotional support. Bibles are provided not only for young patients but also for their families who are “mentally and emotionally exhausted”.