Great joy usually follows the birth of a child. Yet for Niya and her family, the birth of her second child marked the start of a period of great suffering. After Niya gave birth, she became very weak. For the next three years, Niya’s health deteriorated. What could Niya do? Was there any hope for her recovery?
A Terrible Illness
Niya and her husband, Baz, had lived a peaceful life in their village. He worked in the nearby vegetable market, and she cared for their two children. But their life became troubled when Niya became ill.
She tried to find healing through various treatments and medications, even consulting witch doctors. Still, her health only worsened. She was eventually diagnosed with tuberculosis. As her health declined, Niya lost the ability to eat, speak or get up from bed.
Niya’s family became discouraged and worried for her life. They prayed to the traditional deities for mercy, yet her health did not improve. What could be done? Would healing ever come to the young mother?
A Glimmer of Hope
One day, a Sisters of the Cross team, Alani and Korra, visited Niya and Baz’s home. They told the family about Jesus and encouraged Niya to trust in Him for healing. They prayed for the family and invited them to come to church for further prayer.
After the prayerful visit from the Sisters of the Cross, Niya was able to speak again! Following God’s healing of Niya’s voice, the Sisters continued to visit the family, and Niya’s health kept improving.
Faithful Friends
Then, once again, Niya’s health worsened. The Sisters took her to the hospital and, upon hearing that her blood count was low, returned to the family’s village to ask others to donate blood. One woman responded and gave her blood, which helped Niya regain her health.
Baz had been distraught because of his wife’s ill health. Through tears, he told the Sisters that he had many relatives who knew about his wife’s condition yet did not help, and he thanked the Sisters for their persistent compassion. Greatly relieved by his wife’s improvement and moved by the service they received, he began to trust in Christ.
Niya is undergoing specialized treatment and is getting better. She is now able to cook and clean and attends church with her family, where she gives thanks to God. Baz’s parents are happy to see her in good health and have begun to sit for prayer whenever the Sisters visit the home. Thanks to these compassionate visits from the Sisters of the Cross, Baz and Niya’s family is being transformed through the love of Christ.
