Written by: Gerda Potgieter
Article source: Supplied
In October, the Aid to Africa initiative, an outreach of the non-profit organisation Doctors For Life International (DF), returned to Mozambique. This mission provided life-changing cataract surgeries to individuals with vision impairment, while also sharing a message of hope and faith with those in desperate circumstances. The team faced a challenging week filled with numerous hurdles, from logistical issues to the emotional stories they encountered. Nonetheless, their journey was also characterised by inspiring tales of resilience and gratitude that rekindled their passion for service. In their 2024 outreach campaign, they had already brought significant hope and healing to many individuals, leaving a lasting impact on the communities they served.
The latest outreach achieved a significant milestone, supporting 120 patients in total. This number doubled the count of individuals helped in the previous year, demonstrating the initiative’s growing influence. Among those receiving care was a six-year-old girl dealing with severe corneal pressure regulation problems. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the medical team, she received the essential care she required, transforming her path towards recovery and hope.
To highlight the unique challenges and substantial impact of these outreach projects, project leader Johan Claassen shared a story about a 97-year-old woman who had lost her sight entirely. This elderly lady patiently waited for her turn outside the operating room. When it was finally her turn to enter the operating area, she approached the operating table with calmness. However, as the doctor prepared to administer the necessary injection, the woman suddenly began calling out to her deceased ancestors, catching everyone off guard. Her granddaughter stepped forward and implored her to be calm, but the intensity of the situation escalated, leaving the medical team with no alternative but to abort the surgery. This incident not only highlighted the emotional complexities involved but also underscored the profound impact such circumstances can have on both patients and healthcare providers. What happened next is also proof of the DFL team’s resilience and commitment.
Her granddaughter brought her back on the final day of surgery. Based on previous experience, the doctors decided to have an anaesthetist administer the anaesthesia. Although she was calmer this time, her granddaughter again had to step in to help her through the process. Eventually, she underwent two procedures performed by two different ophthalmologists.
First, she underwent an eyelid operation to treat trachoma, which was causing scarring of her cornea and leading to blindness. She was completely blind in both eyes due to cataracts. Even if the cataracts were removed, trachoma would eventually cause secondary blindness if the team did not treat her to prevent it. The procedures took longer than usual because of additional complications. Although the doctor removed the cataract, the team was unable to implant a new lens. This will be done later.
The doctors said they haven’t personally encountered so many cases of dense cataracts, which can cause complete blindness, as in Mozambique. This uplifting story emphasises an essential aspect of the DFL’s influence on the community it serves. The team not only regularly reaches out through its Aid to Africa outreach programme to the poorest of the poor in remote areas but also trains local caregivers and healthcare workers. That is why this outreach is one of the few sustainable programs of its kind.
By listening to the story of the elderly lady who was traumatised by the procedure, I have learned a valuable lesson on how to share the Gospel with those who have never heard the Good News before. When Christians work or live alongside people who practice ancestral worship, spiritual, cultural, and relational challenges can arise. These include theological issues, as well as artistic, social, relational, practical, and most importantly, ethical challenges. With African Traditional Religion, the challenges often run deeper because they involve identity, family loyalty, and community belonging. Volunteers working in this area should be mindful.
One way to manage this is to explain that you respect their beliefs in your heart but that you pray to God directly. And don’t forget to pray with and for them. Also, remember to pray for the DFL teams. Their dedication to giving back the gift of vision is truly inspiring!
The initiatives undertaken by the DFL teams encompass a wide array of critical activities aimed at improving community well-being. These efforts include providing essential medical aid programs designed to serve rural populations, where healthcare access is often limited. In addition to healthcare, they focus on addressing the pervasive issue of addiction through targeted support and rehabilitation services, helping individuals regain control of their lives.
Furthermore, the teams are dedicated to fostering a culture that upholds Christian-based ethics, emphasising the intrinsic value of life and its sanctity. This commitment is reflected in their various outreach programs that educate and advocate for moral values within communities.
Moreover, the DFL teams actively engage in legal battles against legislation that conflicts with their ethical beliefs. These legal challenges are grounded in their foundational principles, seeking to change laws they believe undermine the values they uphold. Together, these multifaceted efforts demonstrate their comprehensive approach to promoting health, well-being, and ethical integrity in society.
(If you want to know more about the outstanding work of the DFL teams, visit the website, www.doctorsforlife.co.za)
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Date published: 26/11/2025
Feature image: Supplied
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