When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9:36)
Jesus responded to the needs of the people around Him. He healed all manner of diseases, He fed the hungry, and He announced the good news of the Kingdom of God. (Matthew 4:17)
During the last Myanmar medical team’s visit in a remote village in the mountainous region near the town of Lashio, Dr. Scholtens noticed a two and a half year-old boy who needed to be carried by his mother all day long!
As a result, the mother suffered from back pain. Since birth, the child had been almost unresponsive, lacking muscle control and unable to walk or sit without support. Living in extreme poverty, it was unlikely this little boy’s needs would get attention.
“We, the westerners, were moved to tears, reflecting on this mother and child’s current situation, but more, what the future held for them.” Dr. Scholtens said. “They live in this little village, far way from any medial help. The unpaved village roads are uneven. Mom won’t be able to continue to carry this child as he grows, a wheelchair won’t work in this environment. May God have mercy on them.”
Mother and Child in Myanmar
The team discussed how to help:
Perhaps a cart could be custom made in Myanmar, or maybe a solution could be found in Canada. Back in Ontario, Gary Aikema, a builder and practical man who was part of the team, observed how a jogging stroller with big wheels would be perfect for rough rural roads.
Gary found a stroller which would support up to 80 lbs. He also bought a bicycle tire pump in case the tires went flat from daily use. Now, how were they to get it to Myanmar?
Months later, God provided a Canadian volunteer in Vancouver, B.C. willing to take the stroller to Yangon City, Myanmar. Gary reached out to a friend in the shipping business and got the stroller to Vancouver at no charge. The final leg of the stroller’s journey from Yangon to the outskirts of Lashio was a miracle of God’s providence. A local pastor happened to be in Yangon just when the stroller arrived in the country. He agreed to take it with him back to the family who needed it.
The stroller passed from person to person until it finally reached the woman and her son. (See photo)
If you would like to donate to the Myanmar team you can donate online
Linda and James Ling are the EMAS Myanmar Team Leaders.