A few months ago I wrote a blog called “Save A Life”. It was about a very sick little boy in the Philippines named Rein. Most of you will remember me writing about it and many of you were moved by compassion to get involved. We have raised nearly $1,000 for Rein’s medical needs and his family. I am so sorry that I haven’t posted an update until now. It has been more complex and complicated that I thought to get his surgery. Working with the Pastor from other countries has been difficult. But here is the latest update I received.
Since me leaving Rein, his doctor found 3 different kinds of worms living in his belly, as well as several different type of diseases that need to be cleared up prior to his surgery. He has a high infection in his urine and his x-rays showed that he has a primary complex caused by his surroundings and the smoke. Basically, children that are exposed to smoke and people with lung conditions, develop a tuberculosis (TB) infection called Primary Complex. The most common route of infection is through inhalation. A person with active TB coughs up the germ and it is inhaled by a healthy child, and it’s worse for Rein since he isn’t a healthy child. The TB then travels to the lungs. Because Rein lived in an environment with excessive amounts of smoke, and people containing TB surrounding him, his poor little body is in a very unhealthy state. Also, his hemoglobin is very low and needs treatment for that before his body will be ready to recovery from the surgery.
My heart was really saddened to hear that his condition was worse that I was made aware while I was with him. However, I am thankful that the doctors are getting to the root of his issues and Pastor is staying on top of the situation to ensure his complete medical needs are met.
Due to the worms, anemia and infections, the doctors must treat those issues FIRST, before the surgery can take place. Once Rein is treated for his current complications and begins to recover, his body will be ready to handle the surgery to remove his hernia. This process will take a few months the doctors predict.
The doctor recommended that Rein family move out of smokey mountain because the smoke was killing his lungs, as well as their other daughter who is only one year older than Rein. Since I left the Philippines, Rein’s parents have gotten married! They also have been attending a small group the Pastor leads once a week in Smokey Mountain. Praise the Lord that He is working in their family in a real way. Just a few weeks ago, Rein’s family moved from Smokey Mountain to a cleaner and safer place to raise their family! I am so grateful that all this has been taking place.
Thank you for your generous support and your patience in the matter. I understand that it has been a while since I posted about it and I hope you don’t think it was, in any way, because Rein wasn’t a priority to me. Communication has been difficult, and I am doing everything I can to stay up to date on the situation.
All the money raised for Rein is in a special account for him. I give you my word, every SINGLE dime that was raised for his surgery will go to just that and his medical bills. His family is in need of alot and I would appreciate your prayers for them. Continue to pray that his parents will continue to walk out their salvation and as they are discipled, they will grow in their faith so that they may raise their children for the Lord.
God is faithful and mighty. He will surround them with His favor and I believe Rein will be better in no time.
I will post another update as soon as I have more information. Again, I so appreciate your willingness to pray, get involved and make a difference in this boy’s life. It hasn’t gone unseen. Thank you for partnering with me to save a life. To God be the glory and may this have a lasting impact for His kingdom.
