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“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord…” Romans 12:10-11

Meshack

The atmosphere on the Kimbilio Hospice veranda was silent after our chaplain finished sharing his Monday morning staff devotion. Though there were 50 staff and guests sitting in the space, there was a long silence as the chaplain waited for anyone to share announcements, as is the usual order of events. It seemed as if there was nothing—and then Meshack confidently stood up and said with all sincerity in his voice, “Thank you.”

God’s story in Meshack’s life intertwined with Living Room’s story before we existed when in 2005, Living Room’s now CEO, David Tarus, rescued Meshack from a potentially deadly accident. After spending several months in the hospital, Meshack returned home; however, the accident caused slight brain damage. For four years, Meshack made frequent visits to David’s home, thanking him for his help on that dreadful night and asking for assistance to go to school—his dream was to attend Brook of Faith Academy, a private Christian elementary school in our community. In 2010, Meshack visited David’s home once again to plead his case.

Wearing tennis shoes that were at least two sizes too small and the same ragged school uniform that he always wore, this young man spoke as the Living Room team listened. There was no doubt that God was speaking to us through Meshack that day. Moved by compassion, we arranged for Meshack to be enrolled at Brook of Faith Academy through an educational scholarship from Living Room. Though much older than the other students, at 13 years old Meshack entered first grade where his fellow students understood his special needs and warmly embraced him. Ten years later, after completing eighth grade and going on to a vocational school, Meshack is now a carpenter apprentice in the casket-making workshop at Kimbilio Funeral Home, and continues to be part of the Living Room family.

Yesterday morning, he stood and said, “I would like to say thank you. Thank you for giving me a bed and a mattress. Thank you for building me a home where I can sleep peacefully. I thank God. I thank Him for using David Tarus to save my life. I thank Him for giving me an education. Because you allowed God to use you, I am standing here alive today. I am somebody. And I say thank you.”

We are grateful for the opportunity God has given us to love Meshack. We are grateful for friends of Living Room who have contributed toward giving him an educational scholarship each year. As of this writing, there are 11 orphans and vulnerable children in our outreach program who are still in need of an educational scholarship—each with their own story, each giving us the privilege to love. We welcome you to join us in loving them by giving the precious gift of education.

Thank You for saving this young man’s life, Father. Use him to further Your kingdom on earth. Amen.