Hearts Healed

Francis likes playing with toy airplanes, his favourite superhero is Spiderman, and he has a knack for making people laugh. Most people never suspected that the happy and sometimes mischievous 7-yearold was battling a life-threatening congenital heart defect.

“We were in and out of the hospital because he had recurring infections,” said Amina, his mother.

Francis often missed school and fell behind in his studies. His physical growth was stunted, and doctors in Uganda worried he wouldn’t catch up.

“The day we received the diagnosis that Francis had a hole in his heart, the doctors presented an estimated bill showing the money that was required to operate,” said his father, Francis Sr. “It was such a huge sum.”

Adding to the expense was travel, as paediatric cardiac procedures are not readily available in Uganda.

Amina and Francis Sr. worked for years to save the necessary funds, but whenever they made progress, they had to spend their savings on unexpected hospital visits for their son. They felt defeated and out of options— until a doctor with the Uganda Heart Institute helped connect them with Children’s Heart Project. Since 1997, the hearts of more than 1,500 children from over a dozen countries have been repaired through the Samaritan’s Purse programme.

The family was thrilled and relieved when they learned that Francis would be able to have his heart fixed at a hospital in the Cayman Islands that provides life-saving surgeries in partnership with Children’s Heart Project. Because of health issues, Amina couldn’t accompany her son and she asked his cousin, Christine, to go with him.

“I was on my way to work when I received the call,” Christine said. “They told me that Francis had an opportunity to receive treatment. I was so happy.”

They packed their bags and a few weeks later were on their way to the Caribbean, along with the medical transporter Samaritan's Purse had arranged to travel with them. But joy quickly turned to despair when Francis began convulsing and was unresponsive only one hour into their first flight, which was headed to Amsterdam.

Christine sobbed and feared the worst. “How can the child die before we even arrive?” she wondered.

Francis arrived in critical condition and was rushed to a hospital. Doctors determined that although he wouldn’t be able to board a plane anytime soon, he was stable enough to have heart surgery there.

The next few months were gruelling, as Francis had two major procedures followed by a series of complications and a lengthy postoperative recovery at a hospital in Leiden, where he received excellent care. Samaritan's Purse staff supported and encouraged Francis and Christine. They also called Amina and Francis Sr. every day with updates on their son.

“We had Samaritan’s Purse on our side,” Francis Sr. said. “They kept checking on us and giving us hope. We didn’t feel alone, and that lifted a big burden. The staff sent pictures and updates daily, which was encouraging. They helped us through the journey.”

As this was happening, an army of believers worldwide began praying daily for Francis. And at home in Uganda, the community rallied around his family. A local pastor also visited.

One day, April Johnson, who serves with Children’s Heart Project, was on her daily call with Amina when she sensed God prompting her to read Matthew 11:28: “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Johnson knew that Amina desperately needed the rest that only Jesus could provide. She had been reading Scripture on the phone with Amina for weeks, encouraging her with the hope of the Gospel and praying that she would come to know Christ.

That day, her prayers were answered when Amina said that she believed in Jesus and was “ready to confess Christ.

“I never believed until now. I have seen the Lord work in and through my son’s life and those caring for him.”

Johnson and the Samaritan’s Purse team rejoiced with Amina and her family in Uganda by praying on the phone and singing praises to God.

“I had peace when I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. When I look back on the journey, I know that God was trying to get our attention,” Amina said. “God wanted to confirm to us that He cares about us; He knows us; and He loves us.”

More rejoicing came in the weeks that followed as Francis improved. He started to respond when doctors said his name, and he began smiling and then talking. Eventually, he was healthy enough to return home.

Francis was so excited to reunite with his parents. “Feel my heartbeat. I am feeling great,” he told them.

Our staff visited Francis and his family when they were back in Uganda. Amina, Francis Sr., and Christine thanked them for not only transforming a little boy’s life but for bringing hope to their entire family and community.