Lemashon
Lemashon March 2005 Lemashon February 2006
Lemashon's story is a testimony to God's compassion. In 2005 when Oasis made the commitment to sponsor 10 orphans in partnership with the TMD organization we received a photo and a list of 11 names. When we asked why there were 11 children, they indicated that they had found this very young boy (approximately 4 years old at the time) who was so weak and malnourished that he was barely able to sit up for the photograph. The TMD staff had great compassion for this child and were willing to take what we provided for 10 to meet the needs of 11. While not to the same scale, it reminded us of the fishes and the loaves.
Since that moment Lemashon has always been very special to us. While his health has improved dramatically from his early years, he continues to struggle with chronic infections and ailments. During our visit in April 2008 he was diagnosed with a very serious condition and is now under appropriate care and treatment. Here is a brief excerpt from Jill Hayward, who was on that trip:
As all the children were playing and having a great time I noticed that Lemashon was nowhere to be found. I found him lying in his bed burning with fever. He was such a portrait of fragility as he lay there with his big searching eyes. In that moment I was so heartbroken for this beautiful child. As I laid my hands on him, I began to cry out to God asking how He could allow little Lemashon to endure so much, the death of his parents, living in poverty, and now being diagnosed with a life threatening condition, while I had 5 healthy children that had both parents to love on them and provide for them. I prayed and prayed and poured my heart out to God with Lemashon staring at me, obviously comforted by my notice of his pain.
In that moment I felt my heart so overwhelmed for the plight of the orphan. I felt God so clearly say to my spirit that he allowed this for me and for those of us who were here, so that we would know His heart for the least of these and the depth of His love and care for orphans. I have never experienced a moment that was so singularly defining in my life. God deeply cares for the motherless and fatherless children and if we want our lives to reflect the love of Jesus Christ, we must care for them in the same way. What an incredible privilege to be here and to be allowed the opportunity to meet the needs of these precious children.
Lemashon's fever left him shortly after and we were able to give him antibiotics that we had brought for our children, but looking back, I felt as though I had been the one healed that day. We may not be able to change the world, but we can all do something...and it starts with loving and caring for one solitary life...that is no small thing.
Please continue to pray for Lemashon as the Lord has great plans for him.
Lemashon June 2009