HVO Story of the Month - February 2007

By Dr. Marcos Nelson

As I examined the 11 month-old girl, I could see that the corneas of both her eyes were clouded and that ulcerations had formed over an eyelid. It was obvious that this little girl had already lost some of her eyesight and would be left partially - possibly entirely - blind if she did not get treatment soon.

At the time, I was in the community of Surik on a medical caravan. Surik is a traditional Achuar community in the Amazon basin, 45 minutes by Cessna - and a world away- from Shell and Hospital Vozandes.

I discussed my concerns with her parents and suggested she fly back to Shell with us to see an eye specialist. Her mother couldn't speak Spanish and wanted nothing to do with an airplane flight. Mercy was still nursing - would she be able to wean so abruptly and travel alone with her dad? At the last moment, just before the plane took off, it was decided she would come, and her father would come with her.

Once in Shell, the Vozandes eye specialist began treatment for Mercy's eyes. The corneas began showing improvement almost right away but Mercy would need to stay in Shell for treatment for several weeks with close follow-up, much longer than we originally anticipated.

After starting treatment for her eyes, it became apparent that Mercy was also suffering from leishmaniasis, a parasitic infection that causes a chronic skin ulcer. If left untreated it can recur years later and destroy the nasal passages. It was important that Mercy receive the appropriate treatment - daily injections for three weeks.

Mercy and her dad, Klever, stayed in a room adjacent to the hospital. Sometimes in the evening they would drop by our house to talk and have supper. One evening, while sitting on our porch, Klever asked if he could have a Bible to read. Why of course! I gave him a Spanish New Testament and an Achuar Bible, which he began to read eagerly.

A couple of weeks later during one of his visits he said, "Doc, I want to know how to become a Christian". The next day, after speaking with one of the Achuar pastors here in Shell, Klever committed his life to Christ.

Finally, four weeks after arriving in Shell, Mercy and Klever were ready to return home. What an exciting day for them to finally go home! Just before leaving the hospital, Klever came by my office asking that we pray together. He prayed in Achuar and I in Spanish. It was a very special time.

Please pray for physical healing for Mercy and for spiritual growth for her dad.

Editor's note: The Vozandes Shell Charity Fund covered the whole of Mercy's hospital bill and air ambulance covered the flights. What a blessing to have these services available for isolated jungle people like Mercy.