I am convinced that for every need, there is a provision. God has placed within each of our hands something that we can give. If you have finances, resources, gifts, time, use those things to bless someone! In Broadway, Virginia we are witnessing the outpouring of love from a small town with big hearts.
Samuel Whetzel is a twelve year old boy who has bravely battled Leukemia for fourteen months. Before his diagnosis, Sam thrived in his studies and enjoyed playing Legos and video games with his twin brother and his older sister. His family also took trips to Lake Arrowhead and spent time together in their bakery which is owned and operated by Sam’s parents.
For the past fifteen months, Sam’s life has been a whirlwind of hospital stays, doctor visits and painful treatments. The family’s sole income is from the bakery, so when Sam’s mother cannot bake, finances become a concern. The family has remained tenacious in their quest to find a cure for Sam.
On Friday, September 6, it seemed that Sam was slipping away. The family called for a priest to perform last rights and for three excruciating days, they remained by Sam’s side. Slowly, he began to improve and now we wait. Medically speaking, there is not much that can be done for Sam. We are praying for a miracle of healing and trusting God to walk with his family, come what may.
In the past ten days, Sam and his family have also experienced community support that is overwhelming. While there have been many faithful friends and family members who have journeyed with them since last June, these days have been tremendous.
The “We Support Sam” page on Facebook raced from 1,800 likes to 5,200. Families pray together and light candles in Sam’s honor each evening. Nearly 250 people in Sam’s hometown of Broadway gathered last Saturday evening for a candlelight vigil. One local couple is working faithfully to make and sell “Sam Is Our Hero” T-shirts. Each Friday, his elementary and middle schools wear orange, the color for Leukemia awareness. His classmates held a bake sale for him this weekend and teachers volunteered for a dunking booth. Our family is making paracord bracelets to sell. We hope to raise $2000, with the assistance of others. Another friend is planning a bake sale at our local hospital to raise funds. A prayer service was held last week and another is is scheduled this week. Friends of the family have stopped by to clean the house, buy groceries, do laundry, and yard work. Vendors at the farmers markets where the family sells bread have kept donation jars at their booths. The Second Annual Sam Whetzel 5K is scheduled for next month. Last year’s event raised $5000. It is impossible to list every blessing that has been poured out, these are just some that I am aware of.
On September 5, 2013, Sam’s devoted mother wrote, “When Sam was first diagnosed with Leukemia 14 months ago, I had a dream in which I was being sent in a long, difficult journey. As I prepared to to take the first step, I was given two heavy bags to carry, one on each shoulder. I knew the weight of the bags would make it impossible for me to walk. The very instant I realized this, two people appeared and each took a bag from my shoulders. One said, "We can't take your journey for you, but we can help you with your bags along the way." Bless you for helping to carry those bags.”
This family has been through the agony of watching their loved one suffer. They said their good-byes and waited. Now, they have been given the precious gift of time. Psalm 139:16 brings much comfort, “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Only God knows what tomorrow holds, and the Whetzels cherish each day they are given with their precious Sam.
Look around you. See a need? Fill a need. What do you have in your hand today? May the people of Broadway, Virginia be an example to us all. Take what you have and bless someone today.
No comments:
Post a Comment