When the late Don Hammatt’s grandchildren were little, he frequently shared the story of Jesus with them. Witnessing even his youngest grandchild understand the gospel through simple stories inspired him to create The Jesus Story book and launch Praise Works—a ministry dedicated to sending the books around the world. Today, this powerful little book, with its multicultural illustrations, has been translated into 35 languages and reached over 1 million children in 50 countries.
A Partnership That Multiplies Disciples
Praise Works and CURE began partnering in 2020 to bring these books to the children we serve. Using storyboards, hospital chaplains guide the children through the book, which introduces them to the love of Jesus in a way they can understand. So far, approximately 90,000 children have been reached, and the feedback has been so positive that plans are in place to reach another 156,000 over the next several years.
Don’s daughter, Leslie Bartel, now leads Praise Works and carries on her dad’s vision to see more people love Jesus and experience His transformation in their lives. She says, “What I love about partnering with CURE is that we can offer children and families the gospel at a time when their hearts are maybe more open and they can experience physical healing and God’s love. They bring the book home with them. They take the impact into their families and their communities.”
Earnest Kioko, Chief Ministry Officer at CURE, says the books help CURE introduce patients to the love of Jesus in a tangible, practical way. “Praise Works provides a simplified but comprehensive way to tell the Jesus story to the children we serve.”
Helping Children See Jesus
Through The Jesus Story, patients like Elvis (pictured above) find more than physical healing at CURE hospitals. While Elvis recovered from surgery to correct his clubfoot at CURE Kenya, he was introduced to Jesus through the book. He told us, “The booklet said Jesus came to forgive my sins and to live with those who believe in Him, and I want to choose Him today!”
From 2022 to 2023, CURE saw a 31 percent increase in the number of people making decisions for Christ. It’s partners like Praise Works—and an abundance of God’s grace—that help make this possible.
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