Rodwell & Mom

Hello Family and Friends,

Dad (Bob) says it's my turn to write a little in our Blog. I feel as though I have been given the power of the pen and I'm going to make good use of it.

The picture you see is of Rodwell Charandura a little boy who is 7 years old and his mother Gladys. They are from Zimbabwe. We have all heard of Zimbabwe it's in the news all of the time even in the US. The people have no food a corrupt government and civil unrest.

Rodwell and his mother arrived in Johannesburg 2 weeks ago without anything but a suitcase the size of a large woman's handbag with a few worn clothes in it. He and his mother have been staying in the Medical flat in Duke's Court. That for you who don't know, is where we live also. The medical flat is used only for incoming people, either missionaries who are ill or for people the Church brings in from other countries to receive life saving medical care. That is where Rodwell comes in. For a seven year old he is as big as a 5 year old, only skin and bones. He has severe congenital heart defects which have been with him since birth. Being here is his only chance for survival. He was admitted into the hospital last week only to find out that he had an infection around his heart that wouldn't allow them to go any further with the tests to determine if an operation was even possible. He was given a large number of medications to try and clear up the infection to see if they can proceed with the tests this week. If not he will stay here until they can do the tests. They say that if the surgery is possible, they only give him a fifty-fifty chance for survival. The surgery will be major.

I have had the opportunity to spend some time with Gladys and Rodwell, and I can tell you they are no different from any family anywhere else in the world. They love Rodwell and want him to live and be healthy. If we have learned nothing else from living in South Africa it is that we humans are all basically the same. We want joy and health for not only ourselves but for our children. Whether Rodwell lives or dies is in God's hands, His will will be done.

Along with we missionaries and members here in South Africa, even some Wards and Stakes around the world are praying for this little boy and his family . Rodwell is only one child who is suffering, there are literally millions here in SA who are in need of special prayer and around the world. We would appreciate it if you, along with your families would keep this child in your prayers. God will hear our prayers and we can help this one little boy.

Life is wonderful, we feel privileged to be here and grateful for the lessons we learn and the work that the Lord has given us to do.