As I prepare for my upcoming three week trip to Nigeria, from April 17th to May 9th, I am looking ahead with great hope for HEAL and our mission. Of course, it is only because I believe our Lord has called me into this mission that I have this hope even in the face of great challenges. Such challenges faced by the people HEAL serves include lack of access to life saving medical care due to both extreme poverty and government corruption.
During my regular meetings with HEAL Founder, Deacon Leo, we discuss medical crises currently making demands on our time and resources. Leo told me about a young man named Promise, who was injured in a terrible car accident while escaping Islamist violence in Northern Nigeria. The injury to his lower spine has left him paralyzed from the waist down and in need of spinal surgery.
HEAL, through our missionary partners, the Messengers of Justice, has decided to sponsor Promise’s medical care. This outreach to poor rural village people is central to HEAL’s mission and also our way of honoring the late Sr. Calista Utazi, MOJ, who died last year at age 39 due to lack of access to critical medical care. Our dedication to Promise’s health reflects our long term vision to establish a medical center in Mbaise village to serve God’s people.
One of my activities, during my upcoming third visit to Nigeria, will be to visit Promise in the hospital where he is staying. I am told by Deacon Leo that, in spite of his crippling injury, Promise exudes the joy of the Holy Spirit which uplifts everyone who visits him. God’s presence in the midst of great trials has been my experience since I began mission work in Africa. Truly, as we perform corporal works of mercy upon our fellow Christians, we receive the spiritual works of mercy in return!
Surgery for Promise’s spine will cost $10,000 including other treatments he will need for recovery. He may never walk again, but there is a good chance he will be able to function in a wheelchair if he receives the right care. Please be generous and we will keep you posted on his progress.