Michael Remembered

It is with mixed emotions that I announce that our dear, sweet Michael passed away last week. Complications from his liver disease caused him to lose a lot of blood. On Wednesday afternoon, he desperately needed a blood transfusion. Even though we were able to find a donor, it was too late. After sharing some last words with loved ones at his bedside, he slipped into a coma and died early Thursday morning. 

Everyone who was privileged to know him is confident in the peace and joy he is now enjoying. I celebrate with him, for I know he is suffering no longer. Selfishly, I mourn for myself and all who had the honor of knowing him and calling him friend. He will be greatly missed. We got used to seeing him around the Orphan Relief and Rescue office, with his crooked smile and gentle spirit. Even though Michael had been too sick to go far in school, he loved to read. He spent much of his time reading his Bible and really enjoyed his times of Bible discussion with Brother Will. He had simple dreams of becoming a farmer and helping the people of Liberia. There is tragedy in the loss of someone so young, but Michael would be the first to say he is not lost-- he is only just beginning. 

During one of the last conversations we had with Michael, he said he believed he would leave the hospital by the following Sunday. He was ready to go home. And home is where he is now. 

Thank you to everyone who joined Michael in this fight. He felt the prayers. The notes and videos were a huge encouragement to him. 

“The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” Isaiah 57:1-2