02 May “For the life of a (Living Being) is in the Blood” (Leviticus 17:11). Blood flow = Life!
Since September of 2022, I have been facilitating a WhatsApp group which includes 4 Young Adult Burundian orphans who have been trained by me in basic first aid. It has been an amazing adventure and remarkable learning experience for all involved. Several months ago, one young man (I will call him Mosher) shared an experience that had recently happened to him. Before I share his story, let me briefly explain that Burundi is a country that has no Emergency Services (or EMS) as is common in the U.S. There is no “911” to call. While Mosher was walking near his village he came upon a very serious vehicle crash; a vehicle has struck a person. As this young man approached he realized that the person who was struck was his brother. And, as Mosher described it, “he looked dead”! I had taught this new “Responder” to consider S.T.O.P. before you Go as a way to prepare to respond to any unexpected emergency. Stop and take a breath; Think about what has happened; Observe surroundings 360 to make sure it is safe to approach; Proceed to offer care if safe. I hand also taught Mosher that in both the Greek and Hebrew languages the word for Breath is also used for spirit. So these Young Responders were all encouraged that when they “Stop to take a breath” they could also be offering a prayer, “Holy Spirit, come into me and give my guidance”. Mosher shared that he had done that after initially seeing his brother looking dead. After he took that breath and asked Holy Spirit in for guidance, Mosher noticed something about his brother. There was blood spurting out from his brother. As much as spurting blood is serious, I had also taught these brave Burundian Young Adults that spurting blood was also is a sign of life. Because the life of a person is in the flow of their blood. Mosher was able to remember that teaching and realized that his brother was still alive! This brought renewed hope to Mosher and he safely approached the scene and began to provide first aid care to his brother. As he bandaged his brother’s wounds and treated for Shock, they were able to find someone with a motor-bike who took him to a hospital some distance away. I can – with great joy and sincere pride in Mosher – say that Mosher’s brother is healing well. There is value to all life! Seeing blood spurting can be disturbing for sure. But as we take a breath, let us also realize that blood spurting is still a sign of hope. If you aren’t currently trained, learn CPR and/or First aid. It can save (or confirm) a life and the value of that life.