Andy

Andy is a 12 year old boy who was crippled in a motor accident 7 years ago. Since then, he has walked with a limp. We have been discussing his case with various doctors and a visiting orthopedic surgeon recommended that his leg be amputated above the knee and then a prosthetic be placed to allow for better mobility.

We discussed this with Andy and with his grandmother who lives nearby and they were both in favor of the operation. Here are some pics of Andy before the operation, with his grandmother, after the operation in the hospital. He is such a brave boy. All who know him, love him.

Leaving for furlough

God has allowed me the blessing of living in Nigeria for the last 2-1/2 years. I have loved it and am finding it difficult to prepare my heart to leave for my furlough. Yes, I do plan on coming back here in January, when my furlough ends. It is difficult for me to leave this place that I now call home. However, I am excited to see many of you and to catch up on your lives! I will arrive in the States in late July. After some serious family time, I will be notifying you of various meetings, Bible Studies and the likes where I will be sharing about these precious kids in Nigeria. For those of you in Chicago, I will be coming to visit the last three weeks in September.

Prayer for the boys
Andy had his leg amputated and is healing well, getting around quickly on his crutches, and awaiting the prosthesis to be made. Thanks so much for your prayers! Also, please keep praying for John, who has started seeing a counselor for his depression. It will be difficult for these two boys, specifically, that I am leaving, because of all the time I have spent with them and their physical needs. I need your prayers! As I finish this term in Nigeria, I am delegating a lot of medical responsibility to others. I need to let go of control, to know that I have tried the last 2-1/2 years to train the staff for this, and to trust that they will do well. The hardest part, though, is preparing my heart and the heart of the children for my leaving. Please pray for Aunty Erin’s emotional state.

Project Nutrition*** As our ministry keeps growing, we have on ongoing need for funds to help improve the nutrition of the kids. It takes just $5/kid/month to improve the food! To donate online, check out prayer and support on this site. Or mail a check to SIM, PO Box 7900 Charlotte, NC 28241. The gifts need to be designated to "Erin Rigsby - Ministry/Nutrition Plan."