If you’ve followed along with this blog you have read about Munna, a young man that our team stumbled upon in the country whose leg was swollen to the size of a basketball. It was obvious that he needed more treatment than our simple clinic could provide so we arranged for him to be treated at the hospital in Tezpur. You can read about the beginning of Munna’s journey by clicking HERE.
Since our team first arranged for the treatment of Munna many things have happened. The growth on his leg turned out to be bone cancer. We arranged for further treatment and Munna’s leg had to be amputated as the cancer had deteriorated the bone to a point that simple surgery would not have repaired it. In the following months Munna was fitted with a prosthetic limb and it seemed that he was recovering. During the course of his treatment Munna came to faith in Christ and was baptized just about a month ago. His family continued to be amazed that strangers from half way around the world would care so much for their son. It was our testimony to them that it was not us, but He who is within us that cares. While the family praised our God, most have not come to faith in Him and a few have.
A few weeks ago I received word that the cancer was back, this time in Munna’s lungs. It was an extremely fast growing cancer and by the time it was discovered, it was already too late. On Tuesday of this week Munna succumbed to cancer and went to be with his Lord. Munna had accepted Christ as his savior and was baptized about a month ago. He will be put to rest in a Christian service administered by our follow-up workers there. I’m taking this news rather hard and it perplexes me. I only met this young man once, and very briefly at that. Yet I’m feeling more sorrow than I often do when I hear of the passing of friends that I’ve known for years. Perhaps it is because of the investment our team made in Munna, spiritually, financially, and physically. It could be because of the knowledge I have about how hard life already is for his family, Indian peasants who struggle just to find basic sustenance.
My friend Mark is someone I often turn to when I have biblical questions. A few weeks ago he answered one of my queries by reminding me to keep an eternal perspective on events. We are all simple shells of flesh and bone and our time here is limited and that makes it impossible for us to truly have an eternal perspective. Our minds simply can’t grasp eternity. But we can try. Munna’s story seems so pointless and tragic in our temporal existence and while we are here on earth we may never know what difference Munna and his story will have in eternity.
I can only take solace in the hope provided by the promise that “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) I am convinced that Munna's story has an eternal impact on his family, our team, and, I hope, my readers. I know it will stick with me until I die. And beyond.
We are getting ready to start the final planning stages of our next trip to India. I’m going to end this post with a sales pitch and ask you to consider participating in the trip by going with us. I am convinced that the work you can do there truly does have an eternal impact. I’ll have all the trip details posted here soon so keep tuned.
Since our team first arranged for the treatment of Munna many things have happened. The growth on his leg turned out to be bone cancer. We arranged for further treatment and Munna’s leg had to be amputated as the cancer had deteriorated the bone to a point that simple surgery would not have repaired it. In the following months Munna was fitted with a prosthetic limb and it seemed that he was recovering. During the course of his treatment Munna came to faith in Christ and was baptized just about a month ago. His family continued to be amazed that strangers from half way around the world would care so much for their son. It was our testimony to them that it was not us, but He who is within us that cares. While the family praised our God, most have not come to faith in Him and a few have.
A few weeks ago I received word that the cancer was back, this time in Munna’s lungs. It was an extremely fast growing cancer and by the time it was discovered, it was already too late. On Tuesday of this week Munna succumbed to cancer and went to be with his Lord. Munna had accepted Christ as his savior and was baptized about a month ago. He will be put to rest in a Christian service administered by our follow-up workers there. I’m taking this news rather hard and it perplexes me. I only met this young man once, and very briefly at that. Yet I’m feeling more sorrow than I often do when I hear of the passing of friends that I’ve known for years. Perhaps it is because of the investment our team made in Munna, spiritually, financially, and physically. It could be because of the knowledge I have about how hard life already is for his family, Indian peasants who struggle just to find basic sustenance.
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| Pictured is Charles Gulla, our national team leader, and Munna. This visit was during Munna's first day at the hospital and the only time I met this brave young man. |
I can only take solace in the hope provided by the promise that “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) I am convinced that Munna's story has an eternal impact on his family, our team, and, I hope, my readers. I know it will stick with me until I die. And beyond.
We are getting ready to start the final planning stages of our next trip to India. I’m going to end this post with a sales pitch and ask you to consider participating in the trip by going with us. I am convinced that the work you can do there truly does have an eternal impact. I’ll have all the trip details posted here soon so keep tuned.
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