News

"Beyond Jansamawn's Scars" (Laos)
ALO Update Vol 13 No 3

Xieng Khouang Province, Laos—Two years ago it was hard to see beyond Jansamawn’s scars. It was heartbreaking to watch the little boy with his mouth agape. Scarring from an old burn was so severe it pulled his head toward his chest. He could no longer even close his mouth.

When Jansamawn was a toddler, he pulled a pot of boiling water down on himself. The water splashed his neck and chest, burning him deeply. Although poor, Jansamawn’s family did their best to get him the medical care he needed. He underwent two botched surgeries in nearby hospitals. But the poor equipment, limited medicine, and unsanitary conditions in their village (it has no electricity or running water) led to serious infections.

The surgeries only made life worse. He continued to grow, but the scars didn’t. The scar tissue hardened in bands on his chest and neck, drawing them together. Doctors warned that life would only get worse for Jansamawn. In time, Jansamawn’s head would be fused to his chest, making it impossible for him to work, play, or even stand up straight.

Sam and Shellie Bowdoin met Jansamawn at a medical clinic the Assemblies of God conducted in his village. Their hearts went out to the boy, knowing that without intervention his future was bleak. With ALO’s assistance, they would help him.

“ His family was overwhelmed by our willingness to help their child,” Shellie Bowdoin reported. The Bowdoins made the necessary arrangements for Jansamawn and his family to travel to Thailand for the surgery that would restore his smile and his life.

In addition to the medical help, Shellie Bowdoin accompanied the family and ministered to them during their stay in Thailand. The Thai Assemblies of God church also ministered to this family during that difficult time in a strange city far from home. Jansamawn’s family attended church and heard the gospel for the first time!

Today it’s easy to see beyond Jansamawn’s scars. He is a happy, healthy boy. He has a bright smile, a brighter future, and a heart of gratitude for the ALO friends who made it all possible.