When Jesus spoke to the masses and when Jesus spoke to his disciples, he not only called, but he commanded to help those in need. He does not specify that it has to be someone we know, someone we have met, or even someone we share common interest with. So how do I, a seemingly random blogger, ask my ever so small audience of blog readers to help a person I myself have never met?
Andy Barwick is the husband of my wifes college roommate. He has an autoimmune disease called chronic progressive neuro-behcet's disease. He no longer can work and has had to leave his home and friends in Georgia to move in with his wifes parents in West Virginia. I cannot begin to imagine his pain, physically or mentally. All I know is what I have read and watched and that was enough for me to want to help. Andy is a great writer and his blog began 15 months ago detailing his struggles. Start here from the beginning to get a sense of whats going on with him. His wife and kids are his life as you will read. All he can do some days is wait to see them and enjoy their company when they are around him. Read the blog and other information from his site. Watch the videos to get a sense of what his life is like.
At the present moment he is awaiting surgery in New York City in August. A $100,000 surgery that may or may not help. His expenses are tremendous. I read about their life savings, 401k's, retirement, and house having all been used up. I don't know if I can begin to help, but writing this was a start. Sometimes awareness can unlock doors. I feel led to reach out to anyone who might read this that may have the means to help. To see if his story touches them like it did me. To see if anyone who reads this can identify with his life. To see if anyone who reads this can pray for him and his family. To see if anyone who reads feels compelled to help Andy. His burden is heavy.
Some will say there are many people in this world who need help, why have I chosen Andy to write about. God has put Andy in my path. In my faith of the Lord, I have no choice than to make his story known and try to help him and his family. If you can, please contribute (tax deductible) using this site. The Helping Hands Ministry website http://www.hhmin.org. Once on the site, click on "Make A Donation", then on the left hand side click "Donate to Helping Hands Ministry Approved Projects". Under project categories, choose medical and you then can choose Andy Barwick. From there, you can decide the amount you would like to donate.
I would urge you to watch the videos on his site as well and imagine how you would feel. If you think something like this could never happen to you, email Andy and ask him what he used to think. Then imagine hearing the words "I want to help" from someone you don't even know.
