Lionel is 13 years old and in the 6th grade. He came to us about five years ago. He was found on the street by a policeman. His father had gotten very angry with him and “held his hand in boiling water.” It melted his fingers together! The Department of Social Services “legally gave him to us.”

Lionel has had treatment for his hand, but his fingers were melted together. He needs surgery desperately. About a month ago, I took him to a hospital where there were doctors who agreed to do the surgery… I was to bring him back, but the gangs in Haiti became so bad that they controlled many areas, including one area called, “Martissaint,” which is the main street area before you get to the hospital. The day I took him there for his examination, I was so scared because my driver, Philemond, said, “Madamn Sherry, look on the right, there’s a dead body there on the street!” A few minutes later, he said, “Madamn Sherry, there’s another person dead on the street, to the left!” This area “before you get to the hospital,” was so dangerous that we could not go back!

We feel so sorry for Lionel. We pray that things will get better here in Haiti and that the government will get control of the gangs so that Lionel can get the surgery he needs. He is a sweet, quiet young man and a hard worker. He wants surgery on his hand so bad… Please remember Lionel in your prayers. Sherry