Thanks to all who have been praying for Tom and have given their financial support. It has been wonderful to see how God’s people have rallied around this wonderful man.

 Everything is happening faster than anyone expected! An amazing $27,000+ has been raised so far! Tom and his medical student friend, Welde, are flying to Bangkok this weekend. The hospital is ready to admit Tom on Monday.

 We still need to raise an additional $15,000 - $18,000 for Tom. Just to give you an idea of where your support is being used -

Travel costs are $8,000+ (airfare, accommodations in Bangkok, passports, visas and incidentals) for Tom and Welde.

The hospital requires an advance payment of $24,000 before testing and surgery can start.

Additional advance payments of $10,000+ will be needed for other medical costs and post-surgery care; a total of $40,000 - $45,000.

 AGCI is paying Tom’s expenses from funds as they are raised. In order to make it possible for the hospital to receive the money as quickly as possible, AGCI has set up a donation page at www.allgodschildren.org/tom

 I want to encourage you to use the AGCI donation page so that Tom does not have to wait for money to arrive before further treatment is provided. Any funds received at the Pure Charity site will still help but may take longer to get to Tom.

 AGCI will post updates on Tom’s condition as they are available on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/agcintl

 Thank you for your prayers, sharing and giving. God Bless You!

For Him, 

-Troy

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(original information below)

Let me tell you about my friend Tom.  Tom lives in Ethiopia and works at an orphan transition home as a guard but he is so much more than just a guard.  He is the epitome of a servant and is a special father to the many, many children that come through the home's gates.  He serves with all his heart and gives 100% to the staff and to these orphaned children.  He personally loved on my two children who spent some time at this home.  The picture of Tom above is from September 2012 when we brought our daughter home.

Today, Tom needs our help.  He has been sick for a while and the doctors finally found out what was causing him to be ill - a parasite.  A parasite that has destroyed his liver and is making him have internal bleeding. He needs to have this life-saving surgery very soon as he is deathly ill.

Because of the riskiness of the surgery and the lack of equipment, it is most likely that the surgery will not be able to be performed in Ethiopia.  With the costs he has already incurred with his hospital stays and tests, the surgery and probable travel, along with his recovery/follow-up appointments and procedures, our goal is to raise $25,000 for him.

Specific prayer points for Tom

• He would be able to get a expedited passport in order to be able to travel for the surgery.
• For his friends in Ethiopia to be able to find someone trustworthy to travel with him that knows English very well so they can advocate, communicate and care for him in another country.
• That every single detail will fall into place.
• That the Lord would sustain his health so he can travel and be able to have this life saving surgery.
• For the Lord to engulf this man with a peace that surpasses all understanding.
• The monetary funds for his surgery 

Tom has impacted many, many adoptive families by helping to care and love on their children before they came forever home.  Here is just a small sampling of some quotes from these families...

When a grown man weeps as he hands you an orphan child to be your own.....Angels on earth!!!

Tom, a humble gentle man with the most selfless, humble heart. His love for the least of these is incredible. Daily he gives of himself despite of his own health issues. He always has a smile on his face and willing to serve however needed.

Tom is so gentle with each child and serves with such humility.

Tom is so sweet and has the most contagious smile!!! And he is always smiling!!!He loves the children so much, and they adore him! Such a blessing to know him, and so thankful for how he served our family with such love and kindness!

Tom serves the families and children with joy, love,humility and gentleness in all things. We love that man!

Tom has a caring heart and his love for the children is evident in all he does. I love watching him play and laugh with the older kids, and cuddle the babies.

As you can see, the impact Tom has made from Ethiopia to here in America is incredible.  We are so blessed here in the USA to have the resources and medical care that we do.   Would you please pray for him and consider sharing your blessings by giving a gift to help literally save his life?

Please share on Facebook, Twitter, etc to help us get the word out!

We will continue to post updates here as we know them.

Thank you so much.  God bless you!

Please Note: Due to IRS tax code limitations All God’s Children International (AGCI) is not allowed to provide a tax receipt for your gift to help provide for Tom’s medical care and related travel expenses. If you have any questions regarding the deductibility of your gift, please consult your tax advisor. Any funds raised in excess of those needed to provide for Tom’s medical care and related travel expenses will be used by AGCI to provide care for orphans in Ethiopia.