When I first met little Roy, he was thin and pale and getting around on crutches. Though very quiet and obviously sick, he managed a smile every time our eyes met.

We delivered ADRA gift boxes to Roy’s needy family. His mother wept with joy when she found that her young daughter had received a little red coat, hat and mittens in her size. She and her children came to Sabbath meetings several times at the invitation of a member, and Roy kept coming to church even when his mother couldn’t make it. I noticed his careful attention as we read the Bible stories. After Roy had attended our meetings for several months, his older brother Leo began to come with him. He seemed to have the same illness as Roy. 

One day, I asked them their ages. I had guessed they were between 9 and 12, but I was shocked to learn that they were 14 and 16 years old. They explained that they had a serious form of thalassemia, a genetic illness that stunts growth and causes serious health problems. Roy and Leo have needed many blood transfusions, resulting in an iron overload in their bodies, which damages their kidneys, hearts and other organs. They often have episodes of severe pain. They need chelation therapy to remove excess iron, but it’s quite expensive and well beyond their family’s ability to pay. They are waiting patiently for a miracle.

Even with all of their challenges, Roy and Leo rarely miss a Sabbath. Recently they announced their desire to be baptized! Please remember this family in your prayers.

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