Sharing Gifts of Hope - Lazarus' Story

When one thinks of Lazarus Anthony of Mozambique’s Inhambane Province, a picture of a smiling man comes to mind. Lazarus is one of MDiM’s early success stories. Lazarus, now 44 years old, suffered a tragic accident in his teens. He was left paralyzed below the waist, but is able to get around with the help of crutches. When MDiM staff met Lazarus in 2007, he was running a small store, operated out of a building of reed walls with a thatched roof. After this hut was washed away in a flood, MDiM provided Lazarus with a block building, much better for security. Because he had no refrigeration, Lazarus was able to sell only non-perishable items. Through the vision of the MDiM staff, a small refrigerator was purchased for Lazarus’ store, enabling him to sell cold drinks and fresh fish, a staple of the Mozambican diet. He also operates a sewing business out of his store.

Shown behind Lazarus, l to r, are Janelle Kavanaugh, Ray Thietten, MDiM President Tara Stotland, MDiM founder Mike Doherty, Amandio Fabaio of Mozambique, and Chris Behan.

MDiM President Tara Stotland visits with Lazarus about the success of his store, which reflects his sense of pride in being able to be independent. As you can see in the pictures, Lazarus has been given an opportunity to expand his inventory and thus attract more customers. His smile today is contagious, as you can see in all the pictures.