and help make the blessing of a "forever family" possible!
To our wonderful family and friends, and also to those whom we have not had the pleasure of meeting,
We would like to share something with you…well, really, it is “someone”…
A little over a year ago we were introduced to a beautiful organization: Reece’s Rainbow International Down Syndrome Orphan Ministry. Reece’s Rainbow assists couples in adopting Down Syndrome children from other countries and by doing so, literally rescues these precious little ones from orphanages, and ultimately mental institutions. Sadly, once a child is placed in an institution, he or she usually does not live more than another six months. It is hard to imagine, but when you see photos of these poor children already in an institution, you can liken the images to those most of us have seen of people in concentration camps, starving to death without care or attention being given to them. In short, the institutionalized children die of severe neglect. Reece’s Rainbow seeks to rescue the orphans from this kind of fate and help allow them a chance to have a “forever family”. This ministry advocates for those whom society has (mistakenly!) dismissed as less worthy- and consequently, beautiful things are happening!
While taking a look at Reece’s Rainbow’s website (
www.reecesrainbow.org), we noticed their “Prayer Warrior Outreach Project”, in which you commit to praying for one specific child waiting to be adopted. The organization simply matches you with an orphan and sends you their picture, and you, in return, pray daily for this child. Well, our family was given the privilege of praying for a little boy, nearly 3 years old, named Artyom, who is in an orphanage in Eastern Europe. Cass can honestly say, her heart melted when she saw Artyom’s picture. He is adorable. In her mind’s eye she could imagine Michael, our 3 year old with Down Syndrome, and Artyom running around together. The good news is, this little guy has been in a good orphanage and is currently well taken care of. The bad news, however, is that Artyom is in a country that routinely institutionalizes children like him, at the age of 4, if they are not yet adopted. Artyom has recently turned 4.
From the Reece’s Rainbow website:
“Artyom is HEALTHY, with a smile that can light up a room. He is an orphanage favorite, and is described as very friendly, affectionate, active, and happy. He has very little time left before being sent to the institution, so someone PLEASE SAVE HIM.”
From one of our adoptive families who visited with him in August 2009: “I saw Artyom today, he is such a doll!! He is chunky and walks perfect. We were waiting in the hallway and he came out of the baby room like a little man... walked up to each one of us as if he was saying hello. He pointed at a few pictures they had hanging on the wall, then the nurses noticed he was out of the room and started telling him to come back in the room to the group. He looked at them and shook his hand as if to say “leave me alone!” and we all started laughing. He has got to be adopted! He would bring such joy to any family and looks extremely healthy and very smart.”
An awesome thing happens when you begin praying for someone in need- daily. You genuinely grow to care for them, even from a distance. Yes, this “little man” most definitely has a special place in our hearts. Though it is not presently possible for our family to adopt (a hard question both our 6 & 8 yr old have asked), we feel strongly called to help Artyom. We have learned that there is NOT a shortage of families who would welcome a child with Down Syndrome through adoption, but there IS the challenge of finances, as the average oversees adoption cost is around $20,000. Reece’s Rainbow seeks to have grants available for all children to help defer adoption costs, which, in many cases, makes the adoption possible. It is hard for us to believe that Artyom is still waiting for a family, and that he is, in fact facing the institution (it could be within weeks or months). He is just so full of life!
…and so, we are embarking on a mission to help save Artyom!
There IS still hope! If we can raise Artyom’s grant money, a family will likely seek his adoption, and a sizable grant makes a profound statement. This is literally about life verses death for this beautiful child. Will you please consider this worthy cause and help save Artyom from ever having to see the walls of the institution? If we all pull together to help, it may be easier then you think. From now through Dec. 31 Reece’s Rainbow is holding their Christmas Angel Tree Project fund raiser. If just 28 people contributed $35, that’s already another $1,000. If 10 people were blessed enough to be able to donate $100, that’s another $1000. We hope to be able to raise a minimum of $2000 for the Artyom's Christmas Angel Tree Fundraiser. Of course, larger donations will help tremendously, but at the same time, no gift is too small. Even a child who wishes to donate a dollar will help make this miracle happen!
Finally, because you never know when God will speak to one’s heart, or who this letter will reach…if, by chance, you are reading this and are finding your heart stirred at the thought of adopting this child, and may be in the position to do so, or perhaps you are open to adoption, but have never given thought to adopting a child with special needs, we just want to encourage you…be open, visit Reece’s Rainbow’s website to see and learn about the families who have adopted these beautiful children, and of course, pray. Though, not the same as adoption, we can testify through our own experience with our 3 year old son who has Down Syndrome, that he brings a tremendous amount of love and joy. These children are blessings and gifts. Though it is not always “easy”, the blessings continue to outweigh the challenges. Our Michael is a true “love bug”, and from the looks of it, Artyom, too, will bring LOTS of love to the family who is blessed to have him.
Please feel free to forward or print this and share with everyone or anyone you think may help. If you are interested in learning more about Reece’s Rainbow, you can vistit their website at:
www.reecesrainbow.org. The easiest way to make a donation directly to Artyom’s account is through the chip in button to right of this blog. We are working with Reece’s Rainbow for Artyom; all donations go directly to them and are applied to his account.
Thank you to all who may be able to help Artyom. May you and your loved ones have a truly joyful and blessed Christmas.
In Gratitude,
Geoff and Cass Butz and Family
