shared by Cindy May

When we were in Uganda a few years ago, we were in a very poor area of Nkumba, evangelizing, and we met a young woman who excitedly walked us to a nearby home to meet another member of her family, Rose, who had a little boy named Andrew.  We prayed for him while we were there, said we would look for help, and a few days later we flew home.

Andrew- July 2006

I did look for help for a while–contacted some ministries who might be able to donate the needed surgery– but not getting anywhere, I let my busy life take over.  And I forgot…forgot even to pray.

Until the Holy Spirit reminded me about Andrew this past week.  And then I feared the worst.

I asked Seggy if he would check on him and his family.  He did and here is what he wrote:

Hi Cindy, it’s wonderful that Andrew still lives. His head is still not normal size so he cannot balance. Currently he is very helpless.  His mother would love him to go to school but it’s difficult since he can not even taken himself to the toilet. So he spoils his pants wherever he is.

Cindy, this family really needs to be helped.  His father abandoned the family & Rose has not been able to find work. Let’s support the family with food and also find a sponsor for Andrew’s little sister, Joan, who is ready for school.

I am flooded with relief, but I am also ashamed.  Ashamed that I saw the need and that I did not do what I would have done if Andrew were my own child. Ashamed of the way in which I represented Jesus.  Is this who they think Jesus is?–Someone who preaches love and walks away and does nothing?  Ashamed that Andrew and his family have suffered an additional 3 years because of my disobedience.  I did not love as Jesus loved me. (John 13:34)  I knew the right thing to do and did not do it, so for me it was sin. (James 4:17)

Proverbs 24:12 says,  “If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,”
does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it?
Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?”

I knew.

Photo 2009: Andrew was born Sept 12, 2000...that means he is 8 years old. It looks to me like his little body hasn't grown at all since we were there nearly 3 years ago.

Just before I went in the hospital in August of 2007, not knowing what was wrong with me,  I asked Frank if he would be my advocate. (Frank did a fabulous job, by the way!  I’m still amazed at how little he slept, how much he gave, how much he prayed, how many notes he took, and how many doctors he chased down!) I think if Andrew could speak, he would ask me to be his advocate.

First and foremost, I am praying.  I am asking God to heal Andrew–for God’s glory, that Andrew’s family may see the splendor and majesty of the living God and worship Him who gives eternal life.  Also, Frank and I will personally participate in providing health care.  (Yep, we’re still selling stuff [Luke 12:33], and we’re looking for a cheaper place to live to free up income to be given.)  And as his advocate, we’ll ask you to help, too.

Rose (mom) holding Simon, Andrew, and sister Joan

Will you join us in praying for Andrew’s healing and in reaching out to Andrew’s family and helping them with food, Andrew’s medical bills and schooling for Joan?   May they know we are his disciples by our love.  (John 13:35) May our love be sincere and exemplary. May it be not just good, but excellent, so that we may be filled with the fruit of righteousness.  May God alone be glorified, and may Rose and her whole family come to know the life-giving love of Jesus.

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11