Spiritual Impact
Winston Is Back in School
When sudden paralysis threatened his life, Winston needed a hospital prepared to care for both him and his frightened mother.
- Kenya
- Spiritual Impact
At first, Caroline was not too worried.
When her 12-year-old son, Winston, complained that his leg hurt, she thought he might have bumped it while playing. He was an active child, and she expected him to recover quickly.
Within hours, everything changed.
Winston could no longer lift his leg. By the next morning, he could not lift his hands, hold anything, or swallow food. Caroline carried him from one hospital to another, praying someone would understand what was happening.
“I was so confused,” she remembered. “I really cried that day.”
Doctors discovered that Winston had Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves. The weakness was moving through his body and beginning to affect his ability to breathe. He needed specialized treatment immediately.
Caroline feared that the care her son needed would be beyond her reach.
“I asked God,” she recalled, “Does this mean my baby is going to die?”
Then Winston was transferred to Chogoria Hospital, an MBF partner hospital in Kenya. A treatment plan was put in place, and nurses cared for him around the clock. When he could no longer breathe on his own, the medical team supported him with a ventilator and continued fighting for his recovery.
“I thank God for the passion they had. Those doctors were used by God.”
— Caroline, Winston’s mother
During Winston’s two months in the hospital, the staff also cared for Caroline. Counselors listened to her. The hospital chapel became a place of comfort. A priest prayed with her and reminded her that she was not facing this frightening journey alone.
“I thank God I was in a faith-based hospital,” she said.
Today, Winston continues to regain his strength. Although some weakness remains, he is able to function more independently and has returned to school.
Winston’s story reflects why MBF strengthens Christian healthcare ministries through Organizational, Clinical, and Spiritual Impact. Strong systems help hospitals remain ready. Equipped healthcare workers provide excellent care. Compassionate spiritual support helps patients and families encounter the hope of Jesus when they need it most.
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