We met Esteban and his family at the Baptist Church in Los Cuadros. He, his brother and two sisters come with their mom to the prayer breakfast program sponsored by their church. This breakfast program was one of the first projects that received funds raised by Bracelets of Hope because of their ministry with children. When Esteban was only 3 months old he was diagnosed with Leukemia. Jamie and Micah formed a quick friendship with Esteban and his family, especially after having lost their cousin Tiffany to leukemia in the recent past. We found out that because of the medication he had to take and the lack of access to good dental care, most of his teeth were either broken or rotting. Because of this, his teeth and mouth hurt so much that he was barely eating. Not wanting Esteban to suffer anymore, Jamie, Micah and David (the three founders of Bracelets of Hope) decided to help Esteban find relief. We found a local Christian dentist who was willing to help and made our first appointment. Having never been to a dentist before, Esteban was pretty scared, but the staff quickly put him at ease with their thoughtful explanations and careful attention. We found out that he would need at least four teeth pulled and almost all of the rest filled because of the amount of decay. This would be a long process, but well worth it. Now after three visits, many hours of waiting while the dentist attended other patients, and lots of ice cream at the end of each visit, Esteban is painfree and eating normally again. He still has a long way to go with more dentist appointments to come, but he is doing much better now. Although his family still struggles each day to survive on limited resources, he is finding that a little help from his friends can make a big difference. The Bracelets of Hope motto is from Ecclesiastes 4:12 that says, "A cord of three strands is not easily broken." Working together to make a difference has not only been a great experience for Jamie, Micah and David, it has also inspired other children to do likewise. Thanks to all of you who have helped make these types of ministries possible through your generous giving to the World Mission Offering. If you would like more information on how you can be a strand of strength in helping Bracelets of Hope, write us at gmbaits@racsa.co.cr . We'll be glad to keep you posted.

Blessings,

Mylinda, Gary, Jamie, and Micah Baits

American Baptist Missionaries in Costa Rica