Tae’s Journey to Receiving Medical Care as an Orphan in South Korea
As a child, Tae* was left alone without food or protection.
He was raised in South Korea by a single mother who lived promiscuously and was rarely home.
In middle school, Tae took it upon himself to find a job to provide for his needs. By high school, he was placed in a small orphanage where he was provided for.
After graduating from the orphanage when he was 18 years old, Tae began experiencing bothersome symptoms. His doctor discovered a growth in his eye and sent him to the hospital with instructions to have it tested for cancer immediately.
Sadly, at the hospital, Tae was told he couldn’t receive care without a parent or legal guardian’s consent until he was 19 years old, still another year away.
As an 18-year-old orphan, he had no choice but to wait, even though he wondered if cancer could be growing in his body.
Tae decided to apply to college.
One of our current students encouraged him to apply to Oak Tree Project. During his interview, he told our team he would need to complete cancer screening in a few months, as soon as he turned 19. If the tests came back positive, he would likely need to drop out of school for the year.
At Lifesong, we stand by a 4-part pledge to the children we serve. The second part of the pledge affirms our commitment to providing holistic care to orphaned and vulnerable children so they don’t lack food, clothing, medical care, and shelter.
Be taught the Gospel and how to live as a follower of Jesus Christ
Not want for food, clothing, medical care, or shelter
Receive a quality education to provide a foundation for their future
Experience continued love and support while transitioning into adult living
Our team accepted Tae with open arms and paired him with a mentor who was aware and understanding of his situation. After he turned 19, his mentor went with him to the hospital for his testing. Thankfully the tests came back negative, though he was told he’d still need surgery to remove the growth. This surgery will take place this month, and one of our team members will accompany him for it.
Our team also connected Tae with a meal kit ministry that provides him with nutritious, easy-to-cook meals. He also regularly attends Oak Tree Project gatherings where our team serves a group of students a filling meal.
Another time Tae experienced tangible care
was when his mentor took him shopping to help him furnish his empty apartment. Tae shared that it felt like his birthday, especially when his mentor treated him to lunch.
A ministry leader in South Korea shares—
“Only two months have passed since we met Tae, but he has already opened up a lot. Thanks to his mentor, our staff, and other students, he knows he isn’t alone.”
Tae has bonded well with the other students in the program who are blessed by his cheerful demeanor. We are thankful to see God at work in Tae’s life.
*Names have been changed to protect the identities of the children we serve.
Pray for South Korea
- Praise God that Tae has bonded well with other students and is receiving medical care and food.
- Praise God that Tae’s eye surgery will take place soon and that he will be accompanied by a team member. Pray that it will be successful and that he can recover fully and quickly.
- Pray that a large, upcoming gathering for students, mentors, staff, and guest speakers with have a family atmosphere.
- Pray that students and mentors would continue to bond well with one another.
- Pray that our application to become a registered non-profit in South Korea would be accepted.
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Will you help orphaned children and young adults in South Korea experience the hope of the Gospel?
When you give to Lifesong, you show orphaned and vulnerable children they are seen, known, and loved through Gospel-centered holistic care. Thanks to TMG Foundation, 100% of your gift goes directly to helping orphaned and vulnerable children.