Story of Charity
In 2019, Charity’s 20-year nightmare finally came to an end. Thanks to her encounter with Sylvester, a young Ghanaian who went to great lengths to find help for her, and to the care provided by our volunteer crew aboard the Africa Mercy, the threat that had once hung over her life is now a thing of the past. In April, a Mercy Ships team, accompanied by Sylvester, had the joy of reuniting with her in Ghana, seven years after her life-changing surgery.
20 Years Living a Nightmare
Charity’s story could have ended very differently. For more than 20 years, she lived with a tumour on her face. It all began with a small lump near her mouth, which gradually grew to an enormous size, becoming larger than her own head!
Throughout those years, Charity could not afford surgery and therefore turned to traditional medicine. But the tumour did not respond to the herbal remedies and continued to grow. Fearing people’s stares, she confined herself to her room, struggling to live with this unwanted part of her body.
“She couldn’t go outside because people would make fun of her,” her husband recalls.
Her condition became critical as the tumour pushed her tongue towards her throat, putting her at risk of fatal suffocation.
A Life-Changing Encounter
Sylvester, a Ghanaian teacher involved in humanitarian work, hears about Charity and suggests contacting Mercy Ships, where he has already referred other patients. But there are significant obstacles: the Africa Mercy is in Conakry, more than 1,500 kilometres away.
Initially sceptical, Charity and her family decide to give the hospital ship a chance. Accompanied by Sylvester, Charity embarks on a gruelling journey to Guinea.
"Before, she would cover her tumour with a piece of cloth, because she didn't want people to look at her." - Sylvester
And then, a miracle! After a lengthy surgery, Sylvester breaks down in tears when he sees Charity’s transformation.
“Before, she would cover her tumour with a piece of cloth because she didn’t want people to look at her. People even called her a witch,” he recalls. “I’m truly grateful that Mercy Ships was able to provide her with this surgery!”
A New Beginning
When the news reaches her village, the whole community prepares to welcome her home with a celebration.
“Everyone was happy for me,” Charity recalls. “My children, my husband and my whole family said that God had performed a miracle in my life!”
Seven Years Later
Today marks seven years since Charity’s surgery. She no longer lives in the shadows, but takes an active part in her village community and devotes herself wholeheartedly to her church — her way of expressing gratitude to God for the normal life she has regained.
Charity is delighted to know that Mercy Ships is arriving in Ghana this month, and happy that many patients, including others who, like her, have waited for years, will finally have the opportunity to receive the surgery they need.
Thanks to our donors and volunteers, Charity’s transformation continues to shine brightly today, standing as a powerful testament to hope and resilience for the patients who will come aboard next.
Mercy Ships brings hope and healing to those in need, just like Charity. You can also support and help change lives, and even whole families, by donating.
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Story of Charity
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