PORTLAND, Ore.—Marriam Biira is a 16-year-old Ugandan girl who was orphaned at three years old. Following the death of her parents, she recalls that relatives intentionally crippled her so she could beg for money in the streets. She lives in an orphanage in Ntandi, Uganda, a zero-income village in western Uganda near the Congo border. After living for more than a decade without the ability to walk, Marriam recently traveled 11 time zones from Ntandi to Portland, where a team of physicians will diagnose her situation and treat her so she can walk again. Marriam’s first appointment was Thursday, June 4. Her surgery and rehab will be scheduled as soon as her physicians have completed their analysis.
This is an effort undertaken by Epikos Church, a non-denominational church based in Vancouver, Washington. Epikos Church, which founded and operates the Ntandi Orphanage, sponsored the airfare from Uganda and is providing housing and all other care for Marriam. She will live with a member of the church in Vancouver while she recovers and learns to walk again. A local hospital is providing the pre-surgery, surgery and follow-up care at no expense.
“Marriam’s condition is so heart-wrenching and we are overcome with joy that we can bring her to Portland for a surgery that will allow her to walk again,” said Ron Gladden, Directional Leader. “That we have this incredible opportunity to make a difference and positively impact her life forever is a gift from God.”
As a welcome to the United States, Epikos Church leaders and the congregation will hold a celebration and welcome party for Marriam on June 6 at 5:00 pm at the church in Vancouver. Mayor Timothy Leavitt will present Marriam with a gift and officially welcome her to the city.
A video taken of the Ntandi Orphanage, including footage of Marriam, can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwiI-3ryw9Y.
For more information about Marriam and the opportunity to share her story with readers and viewers, contact Pastor Mike Larson at 208-771-3715 or by email at [email protected].
