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| Michael's
Ministry began back in 1987 when six-month old Michael
Sottile, Jr. was diagnosed with congenital heart disease. Within months,
Michael received a new heart, and later, at the age of eight, began
fourteen months of successful chemotherapy treatments for Non-Hodgkin's
lymphoma. His medical issues did not end there: two strokes, blood
disorders, and kidney disease were also part of his story. Throughout
the sixteen years of his life, Michael and his parents used their
life struggles to be a blessing to others in similar situations -
offering empathy in ways that only those who were traveling the same
road could. Through their personal experiences, valuable lessons have
been learned: how to care for the chronically ill, and the value of
believers coming alongside those in crisis situations. In March of 2004, Michael's parents began a new phase of their ministry, after Michael's entry into Heaven. They are resolved to continue the vision that their son embraced when he was undergoing cancer treatments - that of being an ambassador of Jesus Christ to the sic, by offering them genuine, first-hand hope and encouragement (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). Here's Hope is a project of Michael's Ministry with a mission to place the book of hope, (a New Testament Bible which includes Michael's personal testimony), into hospital units, doctors' offices, Ronald McDonald Houses, orphanages, teen crisis centers, youth groups and any retail establishment which will encourage anyone seeking to find hope in the midst of their life struggles. The vision is to reach out to others who are walking the path the Sottiles have already walked, and to provide a means to open the door to effective, compassionate assistance (Galatians 6:2). Mike and Linda Sottile are available as guest speakers to churches, organizations, and community groups, offering suggestions and ideas to audiences regarding dealing with patients and their family members who have received adverse medical diagnosis. The intent is to orient and train their audiences and to offer an effective, compassionate and Christ centered, when called upon to do so. Most people have a desire to help - many have no idea where to begin. The Sottiles are ready and willing to share the experiences they've learned over the past sixteen years of their journey with their son. Michael continually encouraged his parents to "Think Big" (Zechariah 4:10a), and that is what the Sottiles are doing. Currently, 25,000 copies of "Here's Hope" are being printed to be part of the first launch of this project - a project that we hope you will consider hearing more about and potentially lending your support. |
