Abiba, a 15 year old orphaned Muslim girl,
along with her aunt and cousin, arrived at HBB in mid-January. From a Small village 3 hours north of
the hospital, they heard about HBB from a mobile médical team that had gone to
their village. When Abiba
developed a mass in her abdomen, they knew HBB was where they should go.
Abiba’s inital assessment and diagnostic
testing indicated she had an ovarian tumor requiring surgery. Once in the operating room, the surgeon
found that her abdomen was actually full of metastatic cancer. A large tumor was removed and sent out
to a Michigan pathologist who processes our spécimens for free.
After the surgery, one of our full-time
missionaries along with one of our chaplains met with Abiba and her family
members. They gently, yet
thoroughly explained the seriousness of her prognosis, metastatic ovarian
cancer, that would soon take her life.
They were also able to share the gospel and pray with the family. Over the next few days the chaplain
continued to lovingly share the Love and message of Jesus Christ and before she
was discharged home, Abiba, her aunt and cousin placed their trust in Christ.
When Abiba returned home she was met by a
local pastor who had been contacted by the hospital chaplain. Too weak to go to church, the church
came to her, discipled her and ministered to her needs. Four weeks later the pathology report
was sent to HBB, indicating that Abiba had Burkitt Lymphoma—an agressive, yet
treatable cancer. Since the family
had no phone, the pastor was contacted and sent to tell the family she she must
quickly reutrn to HBB for treatment.
After several days, when there was still no sign of her at the hospital,
the pastor was called once again.
Returning to Abiba’s family, he discovered that they had no money to
return to HBB for médical care.
When we heard of this, money was quickly donated to cover the
transportation and médical expense to treat Abiba.
She got wheeled into the hospital as a pile of
skin and bones. I knew that
she was likely too sick to start chemotherapy treatment, but it was also her
only chance of survival. Everything was explained to Abiba and her aunt and treatment was
started.
Surviving the first
round of treatments was a great encouragement to everyone. It was a joy to see her smile and be
able to pray and encourage her in her new faith in Christ. Unfortunately when it came time for
round two, she did not show up to the hospital. Once again, the pastor was contacted and donations were
given to transport Abiba to the hospital—this time alone. Her aunt could not come due to
another sick member of the family and the decision was made for the hospital to
temporarily “adopt” Abiba.
She stayed with a well-known woman at our “cuisine” and money for food
was donated. On days that she was
strong enough, she eagerly asked to go to church services. She became a part of our hospital
family.
Sadly, after her third
cycle of chemotherapy she became very weak and had signs that the cancer was
advancing despite our best efforts.
Her family was notified to come see her if they wanted to say
good-bye. Our chaplains discussed
her condition to her, making sure that she knew that God loved her and that a
lack of healing was not because of her lack of faith, nor a lack of Love on the
part of Christ. He loved her fully
and completely and she would soon be spending her days in the arms of her
Savior.
The day after her
family arrived, they decided to take her home. She was not fully conscious and very weak. I kissed her on the forehead and prayed
softly with her as her ailing body lay across the taxi. As I cried I told her family that I was
sorry, but that I was crying for myself and my loss and not hers—for she would
be meeting her Savior today. Our
Chaplain, Pastor Jeremy, then prayed with the family members and they left.
We received word later
that day that Abiba had gone to be with the Lord during the journey home. And while my heart ached for the loss,
the Holy Spirit reminded me that he had done a great work in her and allowed
her to live long enough to experience the Love of Jesus Christ alongside a
family of believers.
Pray that her life and
testimony continue to work in the lives of her family.
Rejoice that the
Lord’s work is being accomplished here in Togo through HBB.
Praise God that His
Word and Truth bring Hope to a world in need!
“O death, where is your victory?
O death,
where is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the
law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through
our Lord Jesus Christ.
1
Corinthians 15:55-57
*Thanks to Donna Larson for her contributions to this
blog.
