Jean

Jean Loko began developing a lipoma on his back in 1992 after he was caught in a battle between government and opposition forces in Benin and was beaten on the back with a rifle. The tissue damage resulted in a swelling which continued to grow over the course of 18 years into a 7 kg lipoma which limited his range of movement and ability to work as a tailor and he abandoned his business.Jean also had to battle the cultural aversion to deformities, which are often viewed as a curse. The father of seven, Jean was rejected by his two oldest sons because of the growth. He had sought treatment at the local hospital where doctors told him they were unable to help him with his problem. He heard about the Mercy Ships surgical screening on the radio. Although he was a bit fearful that he would meet disappointment again, he went to the screening anyway.
“But I was chosen!” he said with a combination of surprise, disbelief and elation. After removal of the lipoma on the Africa Mercy Jean stayed at the Hope Center and returned daily for several months to the post-operative department for wound care. On one such visit, nurses thanked Jean for his patience with the wound healing process to which he replied through a translator “I have new life.”The volunteer surgeon aboard the Africa Mercy successfully removed the lipoma that had caused him so much misery. When asked about his experience, his usual serious expression turns to a brilliant smile. “I just thank Mercy Ships for what they have done for me. They gave me my life back.”

Abel is Able!

Abel is a joyful eleven-year-old, who loves to make new friends. His attitude is surprising when one considers the physical problem he has been living with for most of his life and the reaction of most people to that problem. His parents first noticed that he was having difficulty learning to crawl. His muscles had stopped growing, but his bones had not. His leg bones could not grow correctly because there was so little musculature to direct and support them. His legs began to bend backward at the knee, forcing his upper thighs out behind him. His parents took him to three different doctors, but none of them knew what to do for him. Despite this condition, the resolute Abel learned to lean forward, correcting his balance enough to walk, climb and do just about anything any other active boy can do. He even became the goalkeeper on his soccer team. The only thing he couldn't do was ride a bicycle, since it requires sitting straight on the seat and pushing down on the pedals. Abel's physical deformity made him the target of ridicule from other children. But he remained optimistic thanks to his joyful spirit and his wonderfully supportive parents. One day, there was an announcement on the radio that a Mercy Ship was coming to Togo, offering free surgeries. Abel's hopeful father took his son to an orthopedic screening in Lomè. A few days later, a wonderful surprise awaited Abel when he awoke after his first surgery onboard the Africa Mercy. His left leg was straight out in front of him, in a cast. As he admired his newly straightened leg, he asked his dad if his right leg would also be straight after the next surgery. His father assured him that it would. And a second surgery did straighten his right leg. He also had a third plastic surgery procedure for skin grafting to his upper thighs. Through the surgeries and post-operative care, Abel’s sparkling personality and brilliant smile earned him many new friends among the crew and among the other children recovering at the Hospitality Center. Finally, after more than three months of surgery and recovery, it was time to return home to his northern village of Homa. Abel and his father, accompanied by a Mercy Ships team, climbed into the Mercy Ships Land Rover to begin the six-hour journey. As villagers recognized the Mercy Ships logo on the vehicle, they ran to spread the word. Soon the Land Rover was surrounded by curious villagers who wanted to see what the volunteer doctors had done for the boy with the backward legs. The suspense ended when the star of the show, a very happy Abel, climbed out of the vehicle with two straight legs!

There were gasps of surprise, disbelieving stares, and cheers. Abel, dressed in his cheerful blue and yellow outfit, was the center of attention. The other boys in the village stood quietly nearby. Abel kicked a small soccer ball with his straightened legs. Abel smiled graciously at them, the uncontested victor on every level. The Dalome family squeezed together for a photo commemorating this fantastic and unforgettable moment. When it came time for the team to leave, the villagers vigorously shook the hands of each crew member and expressed their thanks, saying, “God bless Mercy Ships.”