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Val Kroeker has the opportunity and privilege to personally witness the miraculous physical and spiritual transformations of children with serious heart conditions. As the director of the Samaritan's Purse programs in Kosovo, she has seen God use our Children Heart Project to save lives now and for eternity.

The Children’s Heart Project identifies children with life-threatening heart conditions in countries that lack technology and training, and matches them with North American hospitals and surgeons that donate their time and services. Since 1999, more than 130 boys and girls from war-torn Kosovo have received operations.

Kroeker is part of the team that meets the children and their parents before they travel to assure them of God’s love and concern.

“We pray with the parents and encourage them that the timing of the operation is in God's hands,” she said. “Our God is faithful, and He can be trusted.”

Albion is typical of the Kosovar children who have undergone physical transformation. He was not expected to live due to his blood oxygen levels, but after surgery he is able to play and interact with other children.

“The children come back with some extra weight, rosy cheeks, bright eyes, and a completely changed disposition,” Kroeker said.

That’s not the only change. While in America, the children and their parents stay with families who model the love and compassion of Jesus Christ.

“The love of God transforms them!” Kroeker said. “Can this really be the same child that was sent to America?”

Kroeker and her staff visit the children and their families for one year after surgery.

“We give Christian literature, pray with families, and encourage them from God's Word,” she said. “If they are willing, we will connect them with believers and/or a local church in their area. It's wonderful to see them physically whole, but more importantly we want to see them spiritually whole.”