On the island of Madagascar, a toddler named Romino had great difficulty walking. This year, Romino visited the same Mercy Ships health charity vessel that provided him free, life-changing surgery a decade ago. The preteen strode on deck of the Africa Mercy with strong limbs and a dream. He hopes to become a doctor like the ones who straightened his legs.
Romino’s medical challenges developed gradually. “He didn’t have bowed legs when he was born,” says his mother, Claudia. “But his legs started to change when he was two and a half years old.”
Romino’s legs continued to bend as he grew. Claudia worried about more than just his health. Other children began to tease him, and unwanted stares stirred up concerns about his future.
The surgery Romino needed was not offered in his area. A local doctor encouraged his mother to give him leg massages.
Claudia followed this treatment plan for about a month. Then she learned international charity Mercy Ships was coming to her country. Traveling doctors provide free surgical care for children with health conditions like her son’s.
Romino has faint memories of the people who helped him. “I remember when they taught me how to walk again.”
The surgery enabled Romino to romp with other kids and to play soccer. He says he wins most running races against his friends!
“People are surprised when they see him because no one believed that he would look like this,” Claudia says. “They even ask, ‘Is it you?’”
It was an unexpected blessing when Romino and his mother found out they could board the same ship that gave him a new lease on life. “I didn’t expect there would be a follow up for him,” Claudia says.
This year marks the fourth time a vessel from Mercy Ships has docked in Madagascar. Volunteers have provided more than 6,425 surgical procedures and more than 52,395 dental procedures. They also are committed to education. They have trained 2,019 healthcare professionals so far.
Each year, more than 3,000 volunteers from over 60 countries serve with the faith-based charity.
Romino still has scars on his legs from the surgery. They remind him of the dedication of a team of doctors and nurses. Those caregivers inspire Romino’s long-term goals.
“I want to give people the same healing that I received,” he says.
Why? Our gifts and talents are created to allow us to serve others in many ways. Committed believers who serve with their medical expertise can inspire others to serve in redemptive ways.
For more about the ministry of floating hospitals, see Ships of Mercy by Don Stephens in our Recommended Reading.
