Friday, January 1, 2010

Some would say, "you can't save them all."

But...

There was once a mother who lived in constant fear for her life and the life of her children. One night the dreaded nightmare she feared the most came to life. This wife and mother to seven was abducted by evil rebels. They forced her to walk through the night with a 30 pound jug of water on her head and a three week old baby boy strapped to her back. Unable to walk as quickly as the rebels demanded, this mother was shot dead. Her baby survived and lay upon the back of his dead mother throughout the night. The next morning, the wife's husband followed the tracks to what he feared, a dead wife. However, what he did not expect was that his son was still alive. Left without a wife to feed his baby boy and out of fear and uncertainty, the father brought the baby to an infant care center. Within months the baby contracted TB. He spent 8 months in the hospital for treatment and was rarely held or spoken to. Upon completion of treatment, the baby was brought back to the infant care center, with no one to comfort him, meet his needs or call him son. This boy's father was sick and did not have the means to visit his son. After time the father died from an untreated illness. And this was how the boy lived for 3 1/2 years. This boy is our son, Ethan.

There is another boy. He lives as a total orphan deep in the Ugandan bush. His mother was killed by rebels and his father died of an unknown illness. Last year his sister died of starvation. Today this 6 year old boy is also dying, slowly, of starvation. His body is so weak he can barely stand, he is waisting away. The back of his head is covered in a large fungal growth. He has no one to cry to. No one who has the means to treat his illness. And no one who can provide him with the nourishment that his body needs. This boy is the brother of our son Ethan ...

14 comments:

A mom of many said...

Wow...I am in tears...God has you there for a great purpose.God brought Ethan into your family for a reason and praise God He is bringing Ethan's brother into your family as well.

I just absolutly love your blog. I need to tell you that.

Jim and April said...

oh my gosh...here in america we forget so many times the hardships that others go through around the world. I am so thankful GOd opened my eyes this past year and I never want to go back to the way I use to be. That story touched my heart. Is his brother your son now too or someone elses or is he still waiting for a home?

Adeye said...

There just are no words, dear friends.

My hearts ACHES!!!

Unknown said...

Wow! My heart breaks for these children. God is using you and others to rescue these children. I am eager for him to use me too. May God comfort you and show you his will today.

Sophie said...

This is so heartwrenching that so many children live life this way. We get so caught up in meaningless unimportant things in life and lose sight of what the realities of this world are like for so many.
God bless you for what you are doing and as hard as it is to read these stories thank you for sharing them so that we can continue to pray and act on their behalf.

;-) said...

All I can say is, Wow, too! Praying for you guys.
Love in Christ,
Layla

Gary and Michelle said...

You are right you can't save them all (neither can I) BUT you can and do make the difference to each one the Lord brings your way.

Thank you for loving and raising these children. May the Lord bless you for your obedience.

Michelle

PS. Will Ethan's brother become your son too???

Anonymous said...

Oh, you are ruff on us!..Thank You!..My heart is so surely breaking!...My daughter and son-in-law just got back from Ghana, and the stories and pictures tell all the pain you speak of...Still praying and waiting on God's leading! blessing in all you do this New Year 2010!

Christy said...

Did you ever read "There is No Me Without You" about Haregewoin Teferra? That book was awesome. You guys are awesome. Before you know it you are going to have an orphanage. That is what happened to Haregewoin. She just couldn't say no to that "one more child".
Blessings.

Unknown said...

Summer,

I have heard this before in regards to our lives "you can't save them all" and from Christian friends no less. No, you can't save them all BUT you can follow the Lords calling and leading for your life which may be to save 20, 50, who knows? Only the maker of it all! We support you in all you do.

Much love, Jen

Created For His Glory said...

Praying God rescues him too. I love Heidi Baker's stories too - they remind us what is REAL in this life.
Love,
K

ld said...

go. please. the Lord is your keeper. He will keep you...and Ethan's brother.

Mama in Uganda said...

Yes K, I have read the book, and loved it!

Jewels of My Heart said...

I will be praying for this precious little boy who has suffered more than I can imagine.
Thank you for not being blinded by the defeated one who would have us believe the cop out that you can't save them all.... no, but we can make a difference to each one we minister to... to each one we love... and for that one child it is all the difference in the world.
To God be the glory.
Have a blessed day,
Daleea