Life-Saving Surgery Needed!!!

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.

33.  Donate at http://allgodschildren.org/get-involved/toms-emergency-medical-fund/.

-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?

“When saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:39-40

Thank you, and may God bless you!