“We Cannot Repay You, But God Will”

When 25-year-old Mariati gave birth to her son Feyvel in their remote village in Indonesia, her joy was overshadowed by heartbreak. Feyvel had been born with a cleft lip, and Mariati struggled to accept it.

"When I saw my son born with a cleft lip, I cried," she admitted. "I was so distressed. Why was he born like this?"

Mariati worried about her son’s future and the cruelty he might face. "I’m afraid he will be mocked by other kids," she said tearfully. "It just breaks my heart."

Yet, despite the pain and uncertainty, Mariati’s love for Feyvel grew even stronger. "Because of his condition, I felt my love for him grow strong. I was able to give him the love and attention that he needs," she shared.

Instead of support, the family faced harsh judgment from their neighbors.

"They said, ‘When you were pregnant, why didn’t you take better care of yourself? Maybe you fell, and that’s why your son was born like that,’" Mariati recalled.

Feyvel’s father, Artijuni, works as a spice farmer, earning only a small income that barely covers the family’s daily needs.

"With what I earn, I knew we would never have enough to pay for an operation," he said.

Hope arrived when Operation Blessing learned about Feyvel. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, Feyvel received the surgery he needed to repair his cleft lip. The operation was a success, and Feyvel now has a brand-new smile.

"I am very grateful because God provided the surgery for our son through Operation Blessing," Mariati said, her eyes filled with joy.

Artijuni expressed his deep appreciation as well. "We can never repay the kindness of those who helped us," he said.

Mariati beamed as she spoke about the transformation. "I always smile whenever I look at my son. 

When he smiles, I smile! I am so happy. Thank you to everyone who provided this free operation. We cannot repay you, but we pray that God will bless you!"

Today, Feyvel’s smile is a reminder of the power of compassion and the life-changing impact of love and generosity.