Posting #2: GN Update…
Okay, as I was praying about what to post, the words of redeem & redemption are what continued to come to mind. The official definition is to make something acceptable or pleasant in spite of its negative qualities or aspects, and to energize giving new strength or vigor. I absolutely cannot think of better way to describe the journey God has brought us on with GN. I wanted to share an update, but if you haven’t read about how GN came into our life, please click this below link FIRST. It is an amazing testimony. This is more than just a story of his surviving, his healing, his family, our team, One Step In Faith, missionaries shepherding the family, Mama Laadi…his purpose stretches to individuals and families in Ghana who have already learned and been involved with his story AND to individuals and families here in the US who have learned about his story. It stretches to those who have stopped me and thanked me for sharing the story, for those who took the opportunity to come before the Lord, purposefully on behalf of GN. It stretches beyond, to those who actually don’t even know GN’s name or story, yet someone who did hear took the opportunity to have a positive impact in their life. His life, I believe has touched the doctors, nurses, those in the waiting rooms, and so many more. Word of mouth…such a powerful tool…and God is on the move!
Read through other posts to learn the progression leading to this update.
Oh, by the way, if you didn’t catch in prior postings…GN has been officially reintegrated into his village, his grandparent’s home. Yep, you read that correctly. He is home, and by God’s grace he is safe…he is loved…and he is growing strong every day!
Dave and Ellen Bartlett, in country missionaries on our board, took GN for his checkup with the neurosurgeon. It’s been over a month, and GN is smiling, moving around, holding up his weight, and behaving like a typical baby. Although he is 21-months old, he is catching up in his development. He’s more like a 4-month old in development. Ellen emailed us, “I wish I had taken a picture of the Dr holding him up, smiling at him and playing with him (all part of the exam but joyful nonetheless!).” The last time I held that little boy (Feb 2013), he was limp, lightweight, and so helpless. The recent images and video Dave & Ellen sent us have shown REDEEMPTION! I have withheld images from the blog, in protection of GN. But, now, we are ready to unveil GN – Before & After (Current).
The neurosurgeon prescribed a new medication to help “wake” the brain to perform duties it has never done before. After they returned from the appointment, Dave & Ellen had the new prescription filled, making arrangements to personally deliver it the following day. They purposely arranged for Mama Laadi to be with them (as the official interpreter J). Grandma came running to greet them! They are building a relationship beyond this little boy. They were welcoming, inviting and full of smiles to have them come again to the village. Even Grandfather came riding his bicycle up to greet them.
So much was learned in this visit, to just deliver medication and ensure everyone understood what GN’s progress was from the prior day’s doctor appointment. (Although Grandma was with them at the appointment, she does not understand enough of the local language in Tamale or English. So, it was important to bring Mama along to provide her a complete understanding of her grandson’s progress.) During this time, it was shared the Head of the Family who held the official reintegration meeting had stayed in the home the first two nights GN and Grandma came home. He truly is a man of his word, a man of honor and integrity. He kept his promise to protect GN and his grandmother. Thank you Jesus! To our delight, Grandfather has been peaceful and welcoming of both GN and Grandma.
Now, for what truly brings joy to our hearts…a surprise testimony. There was an elder there during this visit, one who was coming to see them for the first time. He was very eager and very happy to see them. Thankfully Mama Laadi was there to translate. As she stood there, listening as he provided what is a monologue of a speech from his heart…Dave & Ellen waited in anticipation of what he could possibly be saying. Here is the paraphrased testimony of an elder from GN’s family unit:
"I am so thankful for you people. So very thankful. We were planning to throw the child away. We didn't know - we just didn't know. We have thrown away many children. We are so sorry. We didn't know, we just didn't know. Thank you so much. We will never do it again."
Dave and Ellen shared with them, Jesus forgives them. God was the One who wanted them to know the truth, and how absolutely thankful we are all to God that they were willing to open their eyes, see, and listen. This is the reason they know the truth, the truth that children are not evil, the truth of the medical causes of their problems, and how these can often be helped.
The elder was so grateful, so sincere, so genuine…I can’t wait to meet them all!!!
Thank you all for your prayers. Thank you for your continued encouragement as we have pressed on. Thank you to those who have supported GN. Thank you in advance for all those who will come alongside us in these coming days, weeks, months, and years – growing and rescuing more. Below is AFTER, current images of GN - Redeemed!
What’s Next? Check out the next posting…we have taken on a new baby rescue!
Awesome!!!
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