Kudjip Nazarene Hospital – Papua New Guinea:   At first glance, Philistine looked like every other 11 month old, a cute smile, responding to his mom and dad’s voices, dressed in a long sleeved sleeper.   As I went to examine him, that is when his differences became obvious.  He had been born with only part of his left arm and right leg.

His left arm was shortened, going down to about his elbow and then a very small forearm that was turned the opposite way.  His right leg was also shortened, down to the knee, and then he had a little foot, that was also turned sideways.  Despite that, Philistine was as normal as could be.  And incredibly cute!

Visit: Nazarene Health Ministries - see what is happening in the Highlands.

I tried to explain to his parents what the future might hold.   Given his current condition, he won’t walk in a land where you need to be able to be mobile.  In a land where the concept, “handicapped accessible” doesn’t exist.  Here people need their legs to get them over the rivers, the mountains, the roads.  Legs are needed to walk to school, to learn and equip yourself for future work to support yourself and your family.

The Highlands of Papua New Guinea. Being able to walk is a  must.

For Philistine, many of these things aren’t going to happen, unless he is able to get to a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon who can do significant reconstructive surgery for him.  We don’t have a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery specialist here and I am not sure if there is even one in the country.

Please commit to pray for Philistine, for this cute little baby who seems to have a bright future, but lives in a very difficult land when you have disabilities.

— Submitted: Dr. Erin Meier – Missionary Doctor – PNG