Promise

I recently posted on our medical screenings here and here .

Mercy Ships medical staff is able to help many people that don't have access to medical care. Unfortunately, we are unable to help everyone. It is heart-breaking when you have to tell that person, "I'm sorry but our doctors are unable to help in this situation". Some have spent all they have to travel to the city and I have heard more times than I care to count from those seeking help, "you were my last hope".

This past screening I was outside with the people waiting in line to see the doctors. This is where I met Promise, a young mother, and her 6 month old baby, B.K. B.K has a condition called encephalocele, protrusion of brain tissue through a congenital fissure in the skull . I have seen this condition at many screenings and I hate telling these mothers that we can't perform this type of surgery.

Promise said that we were her last hope. What do you tell a mother when you know her first child will probably die within a few months? I still don't know the answer to that, all I knew to do was sit and cry with her. Promise is a believer and knows God can heal, and we prayed for that but it doesn't take away the pain that a mother must feel.

I went to visit Promise in her home last week. She was surprised to see me and even more surprised that I was able to find her house when I just knew the area she lived in and her name. God divinely put people in my path to ask and help.

B.K looks strong but his head is getting bigger from the fluid on the skull. Promise knows that B.K doesn't have much longer to live. I plan on visiting her more often. I once heard someone speak on the "Ministry of Presence" and I feel that's what God has called me to do at this time, just be there. Your prayers for Promise, her husband, and B.K would be appreciated.