Monday April 1st 2008

The following Devotion was written by Lorrie Selbo as she reflects on what Minh Tri has gone through and his current condition.

Not every story has a fairytale ending. Not every dream comes true. Nor does God always answer our prayers in the way we wish.

Brave little Minh Tri, age 10, left his father, mother and brother in Vietnam and journeyed to the United States to seek medical treatment for a dysfunctional bowel. He was diagnosed with Hirshsprung’s disease at three years of age. Minh Tri was sponsored by a non-profit agency called “Healing the Children” and placed in the home of a volunteer host family. Minh Tri weathered approximately 14 various procedures and surgeries in Vietnam with no prolonged success. Minh Tri’s family was hopeful that the United States was better equipped to handle his medical case and provide a happy ending. Minh Tri’s dream was to return to Vietnam without the colostomy bag affixed to his side.

In the United States, Minh Tri underwent four out patient procedures and three painful surgeries including one 7 ½ hour surgery to restructure his bowel. He was hospitalized for over three weeks. Sadly, intestinal repair did not remain intact after a life threatening infection spread rampant throughout his abdominal and perennial areas placing Minh Tri in Intensive Care for an additional week. It was no longer a priority to have a working bowel but a prayer for Minh Tri to hold on to life.

Unfortunately, Minh Tri will return to Vietnam with the same colostomy he arrived with. Hopefully, Minh Tri will return to Vietnam with some fond memories of his journey to the United States, too…memories of love poured out to him by the doctors and nurses who provided care pro bono…memories of love poured out to him by his host family, new friends, teachers, classmates and a church congregation. God revealed Himself to Minh Tri through the love of others.

Minh Tri was prayed for by literally hundreds of people across the nation. He was placed on prayer chains from coast to coast. He was lifted up in churches from east to west. Prayers were given for his total healing and total recovery.

Perhaps Minh Tri will have total physical healing at some time in his life. We always have hope. “Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” Romans 8:24

Minh Tri did receive healing from brokenness. He was accepted and loved in the United States despite his condition. Hopefully, his self confidence and self esteem were boosted.

The most valuable gift Minh Tri received in the United States was an exposure and an introduction to a God who loves him and promises NEVER to abandon him even in trials and tribulations. Minh Tri welcomed the baby Jesus during his first Christmas celebration. (Minh Tri was a shepherd in the Sunday School Christmas pageant.) Yes, Minh Tri will return to Vietnam with his colostomy but also with his Emmanuel “God with Us". It is our continued prayer that Minh Tri will not let go of the hand of God upon him. “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
II Timothy 2:1 God’s grace is the peace we can feel during and after a painful journey.


Thought for the Day: Is distress driving you to despair & discouragement or to God? Discouragement turns to encouragement when we look away from our circumstances and focus our eyes on the Lord.

Sunday, 16 March 2008

Minh Tri has major surgery this coming Monday. They will remove any
remaining fistulas and will attempt to redo the Pena procedure, which is
basically a stretching and rebuilding of the colon. He goes in on
Sunday afternoon, surgery is expected to last 4-5 hours on Monday
morning, and he will remain at Banner Health in Mesa for 5-6 days.

Your thoughts and prayers for this brave young man, his family and
the Selbo family are appreciated.

Sunday, 17 February 2008 18:12

Minh Tri had his surgery on Friday morning. Once the doctors had a good look at the problem, they found that there were two holes that needed repair, which they did. Once that was completed, they felt that rather than do the extensive surgery that had been planned they would try this and see how it works out. They will let this heal for 6 weeks and reevaluate. He rested well Friday afternoon and was alert and talking on Friday night. He is a brave young man!

Tuesday, 12 February 2008

Most of you are aware of Minh Tri, the 11 year old boy from Viet Nam that is currently living with the Selbo family. Minh Tri was brought to Arizona by the "Healing the Children" organization. He suffers from Hirschsprung's (HURSH-sprungz) disease, or HD, which is a disease of the large intestine.

Minh Tri is scheduled to go into the Banner Health Facility in Mesa on Thursday, February 14, 2008. Thursday will be for tests and Friday morning, surgery will be started. It could be a long sugical process that could last most of the day. Your thoughts and prayers are welcomed and needed at this critical time in MinhTri's life.

If you would like to send him a card, please mail it to:

Minh Tri
c/o Living Water Lutheran Church
9201 E. Happy Valley Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Periodic updates on Minh Tri's progress will be placed onto this site.