A science experiment at home goes horribly wrong and now, a 12-year-old boy needs our prayers. May we all remember what it was like to be a middle schooler working on science experiments for school? To this day, my middle school uses a plastic cup I had once accidentally set on fire when I placed it above a Bunsen burner instead of a glass cup. That mix-up not only went up in flames, but the substitute teacher also who was working the lab that day, never taught again.
My fellow classmates still remember her running over to our station and throwing a blanket on top of the fire to try and put it out which led to the entire school being evacuated. The point is, that accidents happen. And when we are in the middle of a crisis, we could use grace, love, and a whole lot of prayer, especially Barrett McKim.Barrett McKim used the proper gear and instruments for his science project, including safety glasses!
He conducted the science experiment at home when something went horribly awry. The whole project went up in flames, including his body and shirt. The safety goggles saved Barrett’s eyes and thankfully his mother was assisting. As soon as she first saw the fire, she jumped in and tried to put it out. Tragically, the flames burned 50 percent of Barrett’s body and 30 percent suffered third-degree burns, due in part to a synthetic shirt he wore.
Doctors treated Barrett’s mother for burns on her hands after both Barrett and his mother arrived at the hospital. Meanwhile, Barrett was airlifted to a burn treatment center, where he will need several skin graft surgeries. When his family learned of the botched science experiment at home, his uncle, Stephen Schlautman, immediately began to pray.
He then created a “GoFundMe” page to help cover the costs of his medical bills, as well as an invitation to prayer warriors to lift him up in prayer for healing. Uncle Stephen updated the donation page after Barrett McKim underwent his fifth surgery. “The hospital will be home for Barrett and his parents for weeks, if not months!!” he added. I’m hoping the Lord will continue to heal my skin…
and that everyone will be astounded by a healing that goes beyond what they believe is humanly possible.” Let us all pray that God heals Barrett’s body and continues to instill in him a love of science. We lift this bright and inquisitive boy to you, Father God. He admires Your order in nature. He adores Your laws and the way You created the universe.
You, Father God, knew this moment would come in his young life. We thank You for saving his and his mother’s lives. We thank You for getting Barrett the help he needed so quickly, and we pray for Your healing hand to be on him. Lord, we pray for comfort, strength, and endurance as You heal his body. Please surround Barrett and his mother with Your love, guidance, and peace as they heal. Amen, in your precious name.