“For 36 years I have benefited from the appropriate function of two kidneys. Honestly, I never gave much thought toward ownership of my kidneys before. What is it they say? ‘Possession is nine-tenths of the law?’
“Having been born with two kidneys, it would stand to reason they would both be mine. Mine completely, not just nine-tenths. And then one day, out of the blue, my reasoning began to break down.
“My friend Michael Little has battled kidney disease in excess of three decades. He has lived a normal life, raising a family, earning a living and serving the Lord. Yet this problem was always there. The potential need of transplant almost certainly plagued him at times. Four years ago, the potential need became reality and a transplant was performed from a deceased donor. Then, days after the transplant, he developed a blood clot which led to the loss of the kidney.
“Once the dust settled he was instructed by his doctors to invite friends and family to consider donating on his behalf in the future. I cannot remember a formal request from him; I believe it was more informal. He simply asked in casual conversations to join him in prayer that God would prompt people to be tested.
“As his pastor, I considered it an honor to pray with and for him. I thought we would see God make provision and together we would be able to celebrate the great gift of God. God had convinced me of his ability to do whatever He desires because of events that happened in my family’s life. I believed God would provide for Mickey, because I knew he would.
“I cannot pinpoint exactly when it happened necessarily, but one day my prayer changed. I was not just asking God to prompt people to volunteer, I began asking if He would allow me to donate. I had heard of others giving and leading normal lives afterward. So my prayer changed. ‘God, if I am able to give, please find me willing to give.’
“After a period of time, I believe God opened the door for me to donate. I discussed it with my wife and we wrestled with the idea. We struggled with the ‘what ifs,’ but we finally agreed. If I were to be found able, we were willing.
“Five people actually volunteered to be donated. Three were immediately declined for various reasons, and it was quickly discovered that the two of us left were not matches. We were then invited to join the paired donation program at UAB, and accepted.
“Several years lapsed, and UAB would contact me occasionally to inquire about my willingness to remain in the program. On March 10, 2014, UAB contacted me and asked me to come to Birmingham as quickly as possible. They had found the perfect kidney for my friend. They needed to determine who would donate in his name. After the two of us that still remained were tested, I was approved.
“Whose kidney is it anyway? Apparently it’s not mine. I believe God allowed me to benefit from this left kidney for 36 years, yet not as the owner, but more of a steward. The kidney is Mickey’s. God entrusted it to me for a period, but I believe he knew all along it actually belonged to Mickey.
“I count this opportunity as one of the greatest of my life. I didn’t ask for it. I didn’t seek it out. I believe God invited me to it. He long ago determined that this kidney would be transplanted into Mickey’s body and give him life. What a beautiful gift from God.
Derek Lambert - 15
"Having been born with two kidneys, it would stand to reason they would both be mine.... And then one day, out of the blue, my reasoning began to break down."