Erstes Deutsches Fernschen First German TV chose 12 year old Umesh Khambe from a remote village in Chiplun, Maharashtra, as the star of their documentary film on the Lifeline Express. Surgery to correct Umesh's disability due to Cerebral Palsy to the extent possible, was conducted on the Lifeline Express and filmed by the German T.V. Little did he know that his role in the film world would inspire a couple oceans away.

The Schmidt family

Gerda Schmidt and her husband from Germany, went through a traumatic experience some years ago. Their two-day old baby boy was stolen from the hospital. They prayed fervently and tried everything to find him. Just as they were losing hope, almost two months later, their prayers were answered and their baby was returned to them. Naturally, they were overjoyed by this miraculous turn of events and pledged to do a good deed when the time came. They were waiting for some divine guidance. Gerda and family saw Umesh's story when it was aired all over Europe. They were very moved because Umesh reminded them of their son. They remembered their pledge and, considering this as the awaited sign, promptly contacted Impact India. They were determined to help Umesh in whatever way possible and decided to send Impact India the necessary funds every month to educate and take care of Umesh.

Currently, Umesh is enjoying the advantages given to him by his unseen benefactors and if questioned about his future plans, unequivocally states that he would like to become a doctor and work on the Lifeline Express and help others less fortunate than him.

Yet another of the thousands of examples of instant giving to Impact through unforeseen channels of communication.