“Where have I seen that face before?” I wondered. I was racking my brains until suddenly the light dawned – he had been a patient of mine at Vozandes-Shell nine years ago. How clearly I remembered him now.

A large snake had bitten Francsico on the left leg. Friends had tried “natural” medicine – putting gasoline and egg white on the wound and trying to suck the venom out – before bring him to the hospital. By the time he arrived at the emergency room eight hours later the leg was red and angry looking.

During the next weeks Francisco was to receive six vials of antivenene, nine units of blood and undergo seven surgeries. Sadly, all these measures failed to save the leg and the seventh surgery was to amputate at thigh level.

Naturally, Francisco was very depressed during those days of uncertainty and pain but behind the scenes God was working to bring him to Himself. Manuel, one of the hospital chaplains, was there day after day speaking of the loving Savior who could give him peace and joy in the midst of grief and suffering. Finally the day dawned when Francisco decided to risk all and invite Christ into his life. What a difference was seen in him after that.

***

Now here we were face to face after nine years. I was visiting Francisco’s isolated community of Taculín Alto on a medical clinic from Vozandes. Francisco commented, “These nine years I’ve walked with Christ. Before, I was in darkness but for nine years I’ve been in the light. I thank God for my days in Vozandes and especially for Manuel who led me to Christ when I was so depressed.” What a delight to hear these words of praise and thanksgiving to God.

Franscisco now has a prosthesis and walks with a slight limp. He and his wife are a vital part of the Christian church in their area.

Vozandes treats about seventy snakebite patients a year. The number used to be much higher but now other hospitals in the area also have antivenene. The antivenene Vozandes uses these days is Brazilian and the method of administering it is different also. In this way we are seeing less deaths and amputations in the hospital following snakebites although many people still die in the jungle areas.

Florence Judd visites with Francisco and his wife

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“Where have I seen that face before?” I wondered. I was racking my brains until suddenly the light dawned – he had been a patient of mine at Vozandes-Shell nine years ago. How clearly I remembered him now.