Physical Blindness Leads to Spiritual Sight

When Braulio Illaisaica came to Hospital Vozandes-Quito he was physically blind, spiritually dead and nearly dead physically.

Aside from being blind, the 33-year-old man was an alcoholic who had been drinking since he was 13 years old. Last June Braulio sought medical attention at a small clinic. He had a high fever, stomach pains, nausea, weakness and vomiting. The medical staff was unable to help him, so Braulio was transferred to the intensive care unit at Hospital Vozandes-Quito. A CT scan showed that 80 to 90 percent of his pancreas was destroyed.

Braulio was in very serious condition, and he didn’t know Christ. However, he began asking spiritual questions. Staff members at the hospital looked for a Braille Bible or a recording of the Bible for him. Braulio’s wife, who was not a believer either, received a New Testament from the hospital staff.

After five days in intensive care, Braulio was given a private room at the hospital. Chaplain María Cristina García visited Braulio and assured him that he was not alone. She wanted to build a trusting friendship with him so that he would be more open to the gospel. Cautiously, she asked him if he was a Christian, and he answered, “No.”

María Cristina told Braulio that God had taken care of him throughout his illness and kept him alive. Then she proceeded to tell him about Jesus’ love and the salvation that was available through Him.

Braulio’s wife was with him that day, reading Scripture aloud from her New Testament. At the end of the conversation, the chaplain asked Braulio if he wanted to receive Christ’s salvation. This time he answered, “Yes!”

“He was very emotional. He felt very comforted, peaceful, and happy,” said María Cristina. “I’m thankful that he came here to this hospital and that he could hear the gospel.”

Physically, Braulio is still blind, but he has spiritual sight. His body remains weak from pancreatitis, but his spirit is alive and healthy. Staff members at Hospital Vozandes-Quito have many opportunities to share the gospel with people like Braulio who come seeking quality healthcare.