Eman is a five-year-old boy living in Kenya with his parents and younger brother. The family is originally from Ethiopia, where his father served as a missionary, but have relocated while his father is attending missionary college. As a student, Eman’s father does not have a work permit, and the family relies on a small income from the church. They have also been unable to obtain health insurance. Eman was originally referred to our medical partner for chronic tonsillitis, but during his evaluation, doctors identified a reducible left inguinal hernia. This type of hernia is present at birth, but symptoms can take some time to appear. Doctors advised that the hernia repair be postponed until after a tonsillectomy, as the tonsillitis was causing repeated hospital admissions, frequent infections, and continuous use of antibiotics. Eman’s tonsillitis surgery was successful, and his recovery has been remarkable. His father expresses immense joy and gratitude because Eman is sleeping better, is more active, and is able to enjoy his childhood without constant illness. With his recovery complete, Eman is now scheduled for hernia repair surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $864 to fund Eman’s surgery, which will take place on May 15th. This surgery will give him the chance to grow up healthy, attend school without discomfort, and avoid future complications. Eman's father says, "This hospital has been a blessing and a healing to our family. My son has since improved after the first surgery, and we thank God for everything. Please help us so that my son can grow like other children, healthy, go to school, and we will testify to what the Lord does.”

German is a 70-year-old father of seven from Malawi, who has spent most of his life doing whatever work he can find to keep his family going. Some days there is work, and some days there is not, but he has always tried to provide for his household with what little he earns. Two months ago, German started experiencing difficulty passing urine which has affected his comfort, sleep, and ability to work. Hopeful for assistance, he went to our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital, where he was assessed and diagnosed with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). He was given medication and advised to return for a follow up review. During his follow up clinic, doctors confirmed that medication alone would not be enough for treatment, and have recommended an open prostatectomy to restore normal urinary function. For German, hearing that surgery could help him was a relief. However, that relief was quickly overshadowed by the reality of the cost. With limited income from casual work and farming, the family has no realistic way of affording the surgery cost. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $530 to fund German's procedure. The treatment is scheduled to take place at Nkhoma Hospital on July 9th and, once completed, it will hopefully help him regain his health, return to his daily activities, and continue supporting his family. “I have worked all my life with my own hands, and I still want to be able to help my family. This illness has made even simple things difficult. I am praying that I can receive this surgery and live with comfort again,” German said.

Josephy is a 76-year-old farmer from Malawi. He has spent most of his life working the land and continues to tend to his crops through small-scale irrigation farming. With his nine children all grown and living on their own, he spends his quieter days with his wife and grandchildren. For the past two months, Josephy has been living with an inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. The hernia has grown and begun to cause severe pain that spreads through his pelvis and down his right leg, slowing him down and keeping him from the farming work he loves. Fortunately, on May 7th, Josephy will undergo hernia repair surgery with the help of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. Josephy is contributing to his treatment, but needs help in raising $500 more to fund the surgery. He says, “I am used to working with my hands and taking care of my home. This pain has made me feel weak and unable to do what I love. If I can have this surgery, I believe I will be able to go back to my life again. I am asking for support so I can be well.”