They Couldn’t Afford to See

For seven-year-old Ian, this is what the world looked like after he developed juvenile cataracts.  And being in bright lights was especially hard for him.

“When the sun is out, I get blinded,” he told us.  “I had to cover my eyes like this so I could see.  It hurt to open them.”

Sadly, Ian’s brother and sister were also born with juvenile cataracts.   

“When we read, we had to hold the book really close to see it,” Ian told us.   

The siblings also struggled in school.  Their mom recalled how her oldest son, David, was bullied. 

“One time his classmates pushed him and all of his things fell to the floor,” she shared.  “And David couldn’t find them.  I felt so bad him!”  

An eye doctor told the kids’ mom it would cost $6000 for all them to have surgery.  Their dad, Jehan, earns just 17 dollars a week. 

“I drive my tricycle taxi near my kids’ school so I can keep an eye on them,” he told us.  “I also work as a farmer, but I earn very little.”

“I did not know how we would pay for surgery,” their mom said.  “Three sets of cataracts - six different operations!  I tried everwhere to find help, but everyone just said, ‘No.’”

Then their answer came through Operation Blessing.  We met the children during a medical mission in the Philippines, where they live.  And thanks to you, we paid for all three children to receive surgery to remove the cataracts and replace them with new lenses.  Now, Ian and his siblings are able to see again.  

“I read my books, I see the things around me and I don’t fall,” Ian said excitedly.  “I see everything more clearly!” 

“I am so happy,” exclaimed their mother. “Thank you to the people who helped my children!”

“Thank you for fixing our eyes!” Ian added. 

What a beautiful example of how CBN partners share the love of Jesus around the world with people in need! If you’re not yet a partner, we invite you to join us today. Help bring God’s love through initiatives like clean water wells, medical missions, feeding programs, and so much more—all in the name of Jesus! Join us today and become a part of what God’s doing through CBN partners.