On Tuesday, I promised you a story of someone whose life was saved by the efforts of San Lucas Rural Health Project, a Cross Catholic-supported health outreach to rural mountain communities in Bolivia. Meet Sabina Ovideo, a 47-year-old woman whose life was threatened by a heart condition, but thanks to the efforts of the rural clinic she was saved!
The day began with an hours-long trip in the car, as many days do in Bolivia and other developing countries where Cross Catholic supports projects for the poor in the name of Christ. Many times, the poorest of the poor live in the most remote areas, far away from the eyes of society.
In today’s high-tech world, it’s hard to imagine that millions of poor people around the world lack access to even basic health care facilities. For families in developing countries, stocked pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals might be dozens of miles away, and even if facilities are nearby the poor usually can’t afford their services anyway.
Quick: imagine for a second that you didn’t know how to talk to other people. Imagine that you could see what was going on around you, but nothing made sense. It would feel like stepping into a “darkness” of confusion, fear, and frustration.
Born with a severe case of clubfoot, Isaiah Cruz spent most of his life crawling around. The 13-year-old Honduran’s feet were so twisted he couldn’t stand without help. Although he is a great student, until recently he hated going to school because the other children made fun of him.
Seven-year-old Grace Nachivula is blessed. She can walk, run, go to school, play with her friends, and get through the day without severe pain. What’s so amazing about that, you ask?