The founder of a worldwide ministry to amputees will be the guest speaker at the Columbia International University chapel this Thursday, Nov. 18. Gracie Rosenberger founded the ministry "Standing With Hope" along with her husband Peter Rosenberger, a 1983 graduate of CIU.

The Rosenbergers know the pain of loss and shattered dreams that come with amputation. Gracie's devastating car accident in 1983 led to more than six-dozen surgeries and the amputation of both of her legs. Instead of falling into despair, Gracie stepped into the world of high-tech prosthetic limbs, learning not only how to walk, but also snow ski - on advanced slopes. In 2005, they established the nonprofit ministry Standing With Hope to help amputees in developing countries. Drawing upon her own experiences with quality prosthetic limbs, Gracie purposes to equip and train local technicians in developing countries to fabricate and maintain limbs for their own people.

The Rosenbergers also have a music ministry. Performing publicly since children, their formal studies as music majors shaped them into a powerful musical combination. They performed at the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York, and Gracie has also performed for President George W. Bush.

In addition, the Rosenbergers have published a book, "Gracie: Standing With Hope" that has been featured on the "TODAY" show and "Fox & Friends."

Their visit to CIU will be on the same date 27 years ago that Gracie had the accident. The public is invited to attend the chapel service. It begins at 10:50 a.m. Following the chapel, the Rosenbergers will be meeting with students in the CIU dining room. For more information on Standing with Hope visit: http://www.standingwithhope.com/.