Lately I feel as if I may be overwhelming many of you with the stories of what we deal with around here…a granny taking care of 6 grandchildren, a child abandoned on the streets, a woman forced into the sex trade living in the bush (you can read about those stories here if you missed them) or a man stuck in the hospital for 2 months waiting for funds to have surgery…to name just a few. But then God puts it on my heart to continue telling these stories, to bring what breaks His heart into our daily lives so it may (should) in turn break ours.
A recent situation which was brought to our attention through the outreach to Koma Ranch Primary school (here you can read what else is being done through this outreach) has once again brought me to tears.
Anthony was admitted into the hospital in October 2012 and diagnosed with meningitis. Mom had no way of paying for treatment so the hospital simply kept him in the hospital for A YEAR with NO TREATMENT, charging a daily fee for him to stay (babysitting?). Dad never visited and after a year the hospital demanded their payment, which mom told them she had no way of paying, dad then left (mom hasn’t seen him since). Mom asked the hospital if she could pay something little each month and get Anthony treated…they agreed. She brought Anthony home and in February 2013 she took him back to the hospital, paid $6.80 (550/-ksh) and the hospital told her to leave and they’d see her next month. Mom asked about Anthony’s treatment but the hospital told her once her bill was paid in full they would begin treatment.
Anthony has no response when people talk to him or touch him. Chuck rubbed his cheek and spoke to him but there was absolutely no reaction. We are currently getting Anthony’s medical records and will talk with our local doctor to see if anything can be done for Anthony….I’ll keep you posted. I’ve given you the condensed version, there is so much more to this story but Anthony is a helpless victim in it all.
This is another example of what we see each day and these are the situations we must ask God to show us which direction to take. Funds are limited but our God is limitless and He will continue to provide for exactly who He wants us to work with. I ask for your prayers as we continue showing the love of Christ to our neighbors and if you are able to contribute to the Benevolence Fund that too is appreciated.