Since soon after the fall of Afghanistan, our congregations—Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Gaithersburg, MD, and Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, Montgomery Village, MD—have been partnering with Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area to support one of the US's Afghan allies and his family, who were brought to the US on Special Immigrant Visas. The family includes Mr. Sidiqi (who worked for the US in Afghanistan), Mrs. Sidiqi, and their 3 young children. Both parents are now employed, and the 2 elementary-age kids are in school (and loving it!). Mr. Sidiqi was already a skilled English speaker when they arrived; Mrs. Sidiqi has made great strides in a few short months. Besides the work of becoming self-supporting, they are deeply worried about their families back home in Afghanistan, where life is very difficult.

But beyond day-to-day worries, Mrs. Sidiqi's father (in his late 60s) was struck by a vehicle in mid-April, and is in dire need of surgery for a leg broken in multiple places. The public hospital he was first brought to can't perform the complex operation, so he needs care in a private hospital. In the meantime, he is at home in severe pain. There is no health insurance, and the family in Afghanistan is strapped for funds. Mr. and Mrs. Sidiqi have been sending money each month to both his family of origin and hers, for very basic needs such as food—and that was before this injury happened.

The Sidiqis have become dear to many of us, and our two churches are already contributing a lot to support them. We have decided to broaden the web of assistance to get Mrs. Sidiqi's father the surgery he needs ASAP. The money raised here will be wired to their family and will be used for his medical care. Any amount you can give will be greatly appreciated.