ARMS often acts as a last resort for the patients we see. Many come to us with chronic health issues that they have lived with for years but have been unable to receive any treatment for. In June 2023, a month prior to the 2023 ARMS clinic, Operation Smile Philippines, one of our ministry partners, heard about Jimson’s situation.
Jimson had a large, oversized growth on his chin that was immediately obvious to anyone he met. He had lived with this growth for a long time and it caused him pain, difficulty with eating, and depression. Micah 7:7 says, “But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.” Many patients we meet have gotten to the point where they feel that God doesn’t hear them. They begin to feel hopeless. We are blessed to bring the hope of God to those who need it, not just spiritually, but physically too. ARMS clinics typically complete around 25 minor surgeries every day but Jimson’s situation required something much more. We are blessed to work with local partners who are able to provide more extensive care.
There were a lot of barriers to getting the treatment he needed: Jimson lives far away from the treatment location, beds were not available, the treatment and total care would take weeks, and the family could not afford it.
Praise God, the barriers came down one by one! Dr. Sonny, a volunteer surgeon with Operation Smile Philippines, happened to need to travel to Jimson’s location, Jimson was put on the list for a bed that eventually became open, and support was provided so that he was able to stay in the hospital for over a week and receive the full treatment. Through all this, Christians in Action’s (CINA) church in Novaliches under Pastora Jennie supported Jimson and his family.
This is Jimson today.
Praise God! The swelling is greatly decreased and almost fully gone. The hose has been removed as of a couple of days ago. There is some more treatment required and in a year he will return to Manila for reconstructive surgery.
The impact has been powerful! Jimson, his family, and especially his mother, can’t stop thanking the local church and youth outreach in Donsol, Sorsogon. Restoring an individual’s confidence and self-worth is so powerful in helping understand how God values us. His friends, and really the whole community, are amazed by how much has been provided to him by volunteers and donations. Jimson’s mother is so moved that she has become a powerful advocate for our Pinagbobong church’s outreach in that area and ensures that the youth in that community attend the events we host there.
The donations we receive from our supporters go toward life-changing medical and evangelical efforts. Visit our DONATE page to contribute and ensure this powerful ministry continues!
A huge thanks goes to all those who supported this effort to help Jimson:
- Philippine Band of Mercy
- Operation Smile
- CinA Novaliches & Pinagbobong Churches
Here are some more photos of Jimson’s treatment and progress.
