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| Dali, her mom, grandma, and some cousins |
A few months ago, we treated a newborn with life-threatening
meningitis. She came very near to death several times in the course of her
treatment, but God preserved her life and ministered to her family in the midst
of the crisis. I had the honor of naming her, and I chose the name of a dear
friend who died a few years ago, a pillar of faith, Dali.
Baby Dali’s dad died a few months before she was born. Her
mother and grandmother are doing the best they can for her and for the other
children in the household. Due to her bout with meningitis, Dali is showing
some signs of disability. We don’t yet know how severe her disability will be,
but I am saddened that this infant, in an already precarious situation, will
have to contend with more setbacks as she grows. My prayer for Dali is that her
mother and grandmother take the challenge to care for their special needs child
and that they derive strength for this momentous task from the God who gave her
life.
Dali has a three-year-old cousin named Komba. He was born with
some genetic abnormalities that have affected his development. His general
health has been good, except for some struggles with nutrition. Most of the
Baka children in our village struggle with malnutrition, which puts them at
risk for growth and development issues and for severe complications to the
simplest of illnesses. Several weeks ago, while walking around greeting
different families in the village, I noticed that Komba’s situation had become
much worse. His nutritional status has escalated into full-blown kwashiorkor, a
severe protein malnutrition that is life-threatening. His legs, feet, arms and
hands are grossly swollen, while his muscle wastes away and his skin flakes off
all over his head, neck, back and chest. I am afraid that his parents have
given up on him, providing only dry plantains that he can eat independently,
instead of protein-rich foods that his body needs so desperately. I’d love to
scoop little Komba up and take him home to nurse him back to health, but it is
best that he stays with his family and that we give them the tools needed to
see him through this crisis. Komba’s parents struggle with alcoholism and the fatalism
that is so prevalent here. They need hope. They need love and support. And most
of all they need the transformation that comes through salvation in Christ.
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| Little Komba (in red) is smaller than his little sister (in pink) |
Please pray for this family with two special-needs kids.
Children with special needs do not usually do very well in this culture. They
are often neglected. Pray for their grandmother, that she would lead her family
well and ensure that her grandchildren are well cared for. I’ve seen time and
time again that people without hope are unable to improve their situation in
life. I’ve also seen the change that hope in Christ can bring. Please pray that
this family would put their hope in Jesus.
