This morning I was reading some of the newest World Vision publication to Adam. He enjoys that very much and it helps him understand a little bit about our sponsored children. I learn from it too, but today in a rather unexpected way.
Recently, the Lord has been speaking to me about keys. Some may have noticed this on my Facebook page. I have been skating on the opportunity of this new door that He is opening, and letting myself get too busy with other things instead of pursuing Him as hard as I can. BUT GOD is always faithful to keep pressing His point.
The title of the article I was reading (to myself at this point) is BLESSED ARE THE LOCKSMITHS, by Bwalya Melu, interim director in World Vision's Zimbabwe office. Now a locksmith is not exactly a key, but in this case, it was. A key of remembrance.
" When you lose a key, the first person you usually think about is a locksmith." He was feeling a bit sorry for himself as his family is back in the states, and he is missing them and worrying a bit about them. He was also worried about the finances for the children in the programs that he is overseeing. "And then I found my locksmith.", he stated.
The locksmith is 12 year old sponsored boy named Learnmore. He lives with his grandparents as his mother died of cancer when he was just 3 years old, and his father deserted the family. Seven cousins also live there, with no means of support as his grandparents are both unemployed. Learnmore also has hydrocephalus. As soon as I read those words, my suspicions were confirmed. There is a picture of this little boy, whose head is extremely enlarged due to his condition being untreated. No money, no hospital, no life and ability saving shunt being placed.
Hydrocephalus, in layman's terms, is water on the brain. Fluid accumulates in the cavities of the brain and cause the skull to enlarge. In infancy, the brain can tolerate this somewhat, but once the skull has fused, it can no longer expand to accomodate the enlarging organ. Untreated, the pressure causes physical and developmental disabilities, and eventually, death. Most untreated children do not live past their teens. This child was in a hospital 500 miles away from his home, thanks to World Vision's intervention for him. According to the author of this article, "...the boy had one of the brightest smiles and most exhuberant personalities I have ever encountered. He talked incessantly about what he will do when he gets better. 'These legs are not made of wood, but of flesh,' he told me. 'One day I will go to school and beat my cousins in a race.' Unable to contain his high spirits, Learnmore broke into song. 'Raise your hands and praise the Lord, and He will bless you.'" WOW. Such a heart full of gratitude and glory for God. And that smile. It is clearly visible in the small photo of him. It IS big, bright and beautiful
For those of you who may read this and do not know us, Adam also has hydrocephalus. He was first shunted in infancy, at 2 1/2 months of age. He had 3 surgeries that first year, because his shunt fails often. It gets clogged up and the fluid cannot pass any longer. The valve needs to be replaced when this happens. Over the 20 years of his life, Adam has had 21 surgeries.(one we almost don't count, because it was for appendicitis.) His last series of operations was in 2006.
. I have been praying for his healing since he was 4 weeks old and had contracted meningitis. We did not know for days what was wrong with him,(including his pediatrician) until he had a seizure and was admitted to the hospital. It has been a long road since then, and I have had many battles with the enemy over his life. I have at times become very tired of the fight, and at times, I have been angry with the Lord over the injustice of his condition. ( I don't get angry at Him anymore, but I bet some of you can understand this,)
For the author of this article, Learnmore was the key to reviving his passion for ministry. Today, I was given a key of remembrance by a little boy whom I will never meet, who lives half a world away from me. I am reminded to always be thankful for the doctors who intervened, for those who drew near to support us, and most especially, to the Lord who saved his life when the professionals around him thought he would not make it through the first night in the hospital. I am thankful that we live in a country where excellent medical care is available, and that we live near a hospital that is a medical center of excellence. It is only about 15 miles away not 500.
I am also reminded that God does not let go of us, even when we fail to be thankful and to pursue the things He shows us. He wants to give good things to us even more than we want to receive them.
Learnmore. An interesting name, don't you think? Today, in my heart and mind, he has another name. It is Teachmore. He has taught me well. Thank You Lord, for stopping by first thing this morning. You are so good.
