For years,
my friend Tom graciously served hundreds of orphans in Ethiopia. He was the
guard and one of the “special fathers” at the transition home in Addis Ababa
where my twin sons used to live, and his joy, love, gentleness, and humility
were evident to everyone he met. Tom tirelessly sat by the side of sick
children, was always ready to donate his blood when a child needed a
transfusion, played football with the older kids, cuddled the babies, cut the
boys’ hair, and protected every person who passed through the home’s gates. To
know Tom is to love him, and my family is privileged to call him a dear friend.
Currently, Tom (29 years old) is
fighting for his life. When Tom was a boy, he contracted a parasite from the unclean water to
which he was exposed. Unfortunately, his condition was repeatedly misdiagnosed,
and progressed to the point of being life-threatening. Several years ago, Tom
traveled to Thailand for surgery to correct the problem; however, his health
has deteriorated rapidly since then and the operation needs to be done again.
Sadly, it cannot be performed safely in Ethiopia, and he must travel to
Thailand soon once more as he is deathly ill. The surgeon estimates that the
operation alone will cost around $28,000 to $30,000 USD. Travel costs for Tom
and a companion, accommodations, testing, medicine, and recovery/follow-up
appointments are extra, so our goal is to raise $42,000 for Tom. While at first
glance this may seem unreachable, God loves doing the impossible and I am
confident He will provide.
How can you help?
11. Pray
-for peace and comfort for Tom as he walks through this valley once again
-that the Lord will sustain Tom’s health so he can travel to Thailand for
this life-saving surgery
-that the monetary goal would be reached
-that every detail will fall into place
22. Share
-share the need with everyone you know via FaceBook, Twitter, email,
blogs, etc.
-Tom has impacted many adoptive families by selflessly caring for their
children. In the USA, we are blessed to have the resources and medical care
that we need. Will you consider sharing your blessings so that this dear man’s
life can be saved?
Thank you, and may God bless you!
