"Walter's Flying Bus," an award-winning storybook app inspired by disabled orphans in Africa, has just released on the iPhone. Executive Producer, Michael Gallagher, sees this mainstream launch – the follow up to its December 2012 debut on the iPad – as their occasion to help rally the global faith community to step up its leadership in orphan care and adoption.
In a world where UNICEF estimates there are some 210 million orphans, how does a small group of artists dream big enough to help make a difference? By serving as inspiration to a group that is 10 times that number. There are approximately 2.1 billion Christians in the world today. The app was created to help make personal the global orphan crisis, and to shed light into the fears many have about adoption and about special needs.
The animated, interactive app, was just awarded a Silver Medal in the Educational Tools for Parents and Children by the National Parents Publications Awards (NAPPA). It has been consistently reviewed as a "must have" iOS App, from secular and faith-based reviewers alike. The universal themes of the story, such as finding hope and dreams in the least likely places, and discovering the beauty and dignity of every child – whether or not they are orphaned or disabled – have resonated with broad and diverse audiences.
But it is specifically the faith community that Gallagher wants to rally, drawing from the theme of "caring for orphans and widows in their distress" as what the Bible calls "pure and undefiled religion in the sight of God." A father of six, three of whom were adopted and live with various disabilities, and an active member of the Christian Alliance For Orphans (CAFO) Leadership Council, Gallagher believes the church will respond.
"Throughout history, the church has often courageously and sacrificially given themselves on behalf of vulnerable children," Gallagher reflected. "The challenges are very real, but the children are worth it." And adding a personal note, "Our family couldn't imagine missing the privilege we've experienced in our adoption journeys.
Beyond the call for help, Gallagher’s App Developer, “Chosen & Dearly Loved,” is offering support. 100% of after-tax profits from sales of "Walter's Flying Bus" for iPhone and iPad are committed to help orphaned children with special needs. Partnering with Lifesong For Orphans, much of the app's proceeds will go to helping qualified families complete special needs adoptions.
May 2nd thru 4th, CAFO, with its 100 plus member churches, and its President, Jedd Medefind, who previously served in the White House’s Federal Faith-Based Initiative, will be gathering for their 9th Annual "Summit" in Nashville, TN.
Chosen & Dearly Loved will offer "Walter's Flying Bus," normally priced at $6.99 for iPad and $4.99 for iPhone, at a special "$0.99 for Summit 9," with the hope that it can be a catalyst for broader reach and engagement. As Gallagher said in closing, "There are countless ways to creatively be a voice for the orphan, and to come alongside those caring for and adopting them." As the invitation of "Walter's Flying Bus" reads in its climactic ending, he invites all who's hearts are so touched to: "help dreams take flight!"
About Chosen & Dearly Loved:
100% of after-tax profits from sales of "Walter's Flying Bus" for iPhone and iPad are committed to help orphaned children with special needs.
People interested in providing support can purchase the app by clicking here: iPhone or iPad
Those that would like to learn more about the organization and its efforts to help change the world one child at a time, should click here to visit: http://www.ChosenAndDearlyLoved.org or go to wooeb.com/chosenandloved
