Michael

Many people picture orphans in Africa as small runny nosed children running around with big bellies and no shoes. Often that is the case. However, in a country like Liberia that is recovering from years of civil war, a legacy of teenagers has been left behind. Children who were orphaned or abandoned during the war are now trying to find their way as adolescents living in orphanage homes.

Michael is one such boy. He just turned 18, he is in 7th grade, he loves to play football, and he was just diagnosed with Hepatitis B and liver cirrhosis. It is likely that he contracted Hepatitis B from his mother at birth. In fact, according to Michael he has had several family members, including his mother, die of similar liver conditions. Hepatitis B is a virus that attacks the liver. It is a serious problem that can result in life long liver disease or death. Michael’s case is quite advanced- his enlarged liver makes him appear several months pregnant, his abdomen and lower extremities are swollen and his eyes are jaundiced. It is uncomfortable for him to sit which makes attending school difficult. Unfortunately, Michael has already missed several weeks of school from being so sick.

But he is a good student. I spent several hours with him at the clinic last week and he spent most of the waiting time studying notes from class, trying to catch up and prepare for testing this week. He requires a special diet which makes it hard for him to eat (on top of diet restrictions for his liver disease, he was hit by a car several weeks ago and had significant damage done to his teeth). The director at his home is under pressure to find specialized food for him and since he is 18, at any given moment she could decide she can’t afford his medical problems and put him out of the house. It appears to be a bleak outlook for Michael, but there is hope. A doctor at a nearby clinic is treating him with a newly available antiviral medication. After a few weeks of medical treatment he is already noticing some improvement. But it can take months or years for a full recovery.

Please join us in prayer for Michael. Pray for a quick recovery. Pray that he can persevere through this necessary medical treatment. Pray for continued wisdom for the doctor and orphanage director. Pray that he can continue in school. Pray that he does not become discouraged. Pray that the Orphan Relief and Rescue staff working with him will know how best to help and encourage him.