This story is too good not to share. In the midst of some of the most horrifying realities, I’m reminded that “it doesn’t have to be this way.” It often starts with the desperate prayers of the most hopeless. Followed by God tapping somebody on the shoulder with a call to do something.
Here is such an account of a local friend, who answered the call in her life to step up and DO SOMETHING; something she might never be thanked for, but something that had to be done. The narrator of the following paragraphs, is the woman who traveled from Billings MT, to Uganda, trudged through Internally Displaced People camps, found this young man, and agreed to be God’s answer to his prayers. A local hero by any account. My friend is Nadine Hart, founder of Hope 2 One Life, here is her story in three paragraphs:
October, 21
Dear friends,
I am writing to ask for prayer, prayer chains and positive energy as 15 year old Roger, from Uganda, goes through a very complex spine surgery Friday, Oct 21 (today).
A very specialized world renowned surgeon has come in tonight to Billings, Montana, Dr. Ohenaba Boachie of the Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC to do this complex surgery with Dr. McDowell. Roger has been in halo traction for 11 days prior with 22 pounds of weight stretching his spine and has tolerated it all amazingly well after a few first rough days. He has suffered from previous neglect and TB of the spine (fully treated now) and has caused a large spinal deformity and compromise of his lungs/breathing. His growth was stunted in Uganda from the neglect, etc. until we met him and he only weighs 44 pounds, yet he has the greatest spirit and smile! This surgery will stabilize the severe spinal cord compression and improve his lung and bodily function for years to come, God willing.
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October, 22
Dear friends,
Roger is out of surgery after 8 hours and it went great! His spinal cord was very compressed and scarred so he won’t get function of his legs back which we knew going into surgery. They were able to straighten and stabilize his spine with rods and screws. The hump is gone…he is also taller. They took off some of the rib area forming his barrel chest so his chest wall is flatter and more upright and the lungs are not squished any longer!!! He will breath so much better and have a much much longer life! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord. Thanks for your prayers…they really helped and Dr. Boachie felt them and the energy they brought! Roger is awake but with the breathing tube in for 3 days..to help with ventilation until his chest and back start to heal. This will also enable them to give him pain meds without compromising respirations. Then will wean him off the ventilator. He has a long road ahead however all is going so well. Keep up the prayers! We appreciate all of you so much.
Nadine
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October, 24
Dear Friends,
Roger is doing incredibly well! He extubated himself at 5 am! His first words to the mortified nurse, “I’m sorry”. Next words, “I made it!. He is talking, eating, drinking and wants to sit up! Prayers have been answered! A miracle has occurred ….for a little boy who 6 years ago was found half a world away crippled and partially paralyzed, living in the dirt, naked and with infected wounds from his knees to his feet… open to the bone, rats eating his toes, neglected and starving. Yet he lived, lived joyfully and now has survived a life changing complex surgery. May we all learn and be inspired by Roger and his faith in God and amazing spirit… with faith love and hope…anything is possible. All are God’s children.
Thank you from all of our hearts! God bless you!
Nadine
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One Comment
Wow, so glad I read this! He was in one of my classes at school. Amazing story, God is good. Thank you for answering the call to do something Nadine!