Osama from Madaba

Several years ago a missionary couple in Jordan became acquainted with Osama Abu Al-Ganam, a prominent and successful businessman who lives in Madaba (south of Amman).  One of his businesses is a mosiac shop.  Madaba is famous for having an abundance of ancient mosiacs from earlier civilizations.  Today, the craftsmen in the area still produce beautiful works as souvenirs.  

Through the years other missionary couples have nourished the friendship of the LDS Church with Osama.  We have also made friends with him and visit his shop when we are in the area.  (That's Osama next to Lynn).

Last Tuesday Osama invited us to his home for lunch and to meet his family.  He and his wife have two severely handicapped boys and a new baby girl.  The problem they  have is genetic and is related to cystic fibrosis.  Osama's wife is very busy taking care of the children because they can't find a school for the disabled that will take them.

The extended family don't want Osama and his wife to bring the children outside their home because they're ashamed to have disabled people in their family.  They are afraid prospective husbands and wives for other family members wouldn't want to marry into their family because of the genetic issues.  So all they can do is keep the children inside the home out of sight.  The children are very loving and smart.  They have been inside for so long, they are afraid to go out.

When Osama has business in the U.S. he visits the missionary couples in Utah and attends our church there.  He likes what he hears and he likes the Mormon church.  HOWEVER, it would be very very difficult if not impossible for him to join the church right now in Jordan.  Maybe he's one of the people the Lord is preparing to be ready as soon as the barriers are down and people are free to think what they want to think and do what they want to do.