“I would gladly live out of a backpack if it meant I could save just one life”
Many of you who have been following me on the race will remember a little boy I met in the Philippines named Rein. A short recap, for those of you who might be new to my blog, is that Rein lived in a place called Smokey Mountain. It’s this looming mass of decomposed rubbish, standing more than 20 meters high; a place where tens of thousands of people once scavenged for their livelihood. It is now home to so many of the world’s poor who live below the poverty line; nearly half the population of Manila (11 million people) lives in slum areas. Everyday they scavenge through the remains of 50 years of Manila’s trash to earn a meager living. It was one of the most devastating things I have ever laid my eyes on.
It was there that the Holy Spirit led me to Rein. He was an adorable little boy, just around 3 years old, with no pants on crying. I began to talk to him to see why he was crying and then I picked him up and began to get him some food. When I put him down to help him eat it, I noticed that his testicles were inflamed. They were swollen the size of a grapefruit. After much research, doctors visits and test results, we found out Rein had a hernia that could burst at any moment, at which case would end this poor little boy’s life. My heart was so broken for him; I had to do something about it. So, with the help of so many wonderful people, we were able to raise enough money for him to get his surgery! I was really blown away by the amount of people willing to help! You guys are awesome.
However, this has been quite the process. Rein’s lungs were in such bad condition from the smoke and his body had many different types of infections that they couldn’t operate immediately. So I had to leave him in that state, trusting the Lord and the pastor there to make sure this little boy got what he needed.
So here we are, 8 months later and I could NOT be more excited to inform you that Rein has had his surgery! All thanks to Jesus and you for sowing into his life, he will now be able to live freely as God intended! He has recovered well, and the doctors are pleased with how the procedure went. He is still on medicines for his lung problems, so please continue to pray for healing for that. My heart is so glad to know that although it took a while, God used us to change this little boy’s life forever. And not only was his life changed physically, but since I left the Philippines his parents have gotten married, joined a church and Bible study, moved out of Smokey Mountain and are in the process of starting their own business selling noodles so they no longer have to scavenge for food.
GOD is so good! He is so faithful and I am so thankful to Him that He led me to Rein that day. The world is hurting and there are so many needs it can be overwhelming. Sometimes, as a missionary, you feel like you just cannot make a difference cause the needs are too great. However, God taught me through this little boy that ONE life does make a difference and nothing done for Christ is ever in vain.
I hope this encourages you today to look for the ONE God has placed in your life to make an impact. Each and every person matters to Jesus and together we can save lives every day if we continue to be led by His spirit.
A tremendous THANK YOU to everyone who got involved with Rein. Together, and to God be the glory, we were able to save a life.
