john

John seemed like an unlikely candidate for Hands of Mercy to many people. He has epilepsy and significant mental retardation that has left him with no speech, physical disability and a smile that can overcome any of those obstacles! We needed John, as much as he needed something to do each day. John is our “pot holder man.” Every day he arrives and searches for his purple plastic loom and bag of loops—that was until the day the loom broke for good—and we made him a wood and nails loom. Hands of Mercy has multicolored nylon pot holders in stacks in our shop now, thanks to John’s diligent work. Then came the day we could finally pay people for their work: crocheted purses and bead earrings that are lovingly brought back to the USA for display and donation when we speak, should bring good income to HOM, so the workers should be paid. All eyes were on John, when wallets and crisp South Sudanese pound notes were distributed and he got his share—perhaps the first money John had ever handled. He was a visible lesson in God’s grace and love extending to all, regardless of ability.

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