India Boy's Snake Bite Surgery

     Members of Christ Church UCC met this young man during the recent mission trip to the Good Shepherd Mission in India.  Christ Church, through Brother Henry Bhasker at the Good Shepherd Mission made arrangements to have the child treated in the large city of Madras under the care of Dr. M.S.S. Rajan.  Members of Christ Church raised the $1200 necessary to pay for the boy's surgery.

One Year Anniversary

     May 30, 2006 marked the one year anniversary since Christ Church was responsible for the surgical procedure that changed the life of a child in southern India. In January of 2005 five members of Christ Church UCC, one member of Calvary United Methodist, and one member of Little Swarata Church of the Bretheran, traveled to Puttur, India to visit The Good Shepherd Mission and Hospital. We were the guests of Brother Henry Bhaskar the director of the mission compound. While visiting the outlying village of Kolladam, a young boy was brought to us with a traumatic injury to his right foot. He had been bitten by a snake many months before, but the wound had not healed properly and was still draining. He did receive initial treatment, but due to lack of finances, the family was not able to complete his treatments. There is limited medical care for the poor in India, if you have no money there is no treatment.
     When we realized the need, there was no question that we would act on the child's behalf. Money was raised through the generosity of the congregation and friends of Christ Church. With the help of Brother Henry and referrals from the physicians at The Good Shepherd Mission, a surgery date was scheduled in Channi, India, in a large modern hospital. The surgery was a success due to the expertise of the surgeon and the excellent post-operative care he received at the Good Shepherd Mission.

     Although his foot will never be cosmetically perfect, because of the delay in healing, he can now run and play without pain, something that was impossible before his surgery.

Visitors to the mission in January of 2006 reported that unless you knew he had an injury you would not be aware of the defect and
that he walks with only a slight limp. You can see by the smile on his face he is a happy child. The young man now resides at the boy's hostel at the Good Shepherd Mission and Brother Henry reports to us that he is doing well in school, just completing the 7th grade with high marks.
     We believe God led us to this child knowing there were people half way around the world that would help. If you would like to know more about the mission and works of The Good Shepherd Mission and Hospital please contact the church office.

Here is a photo from 2006:

Here is a photo of his recovery from August 2005:

Here are some photos from before surgery and immediately following surgery:

  India Boy before surgery on his foot.

 Good Shepherd Mission Hospital