The Teacher and the Miracle: How an Island Boy Got His Sight

Seven-year-old Elpie  dreams of seeing the world more clearly.  He was born with juvenile cataracts and according to his mom, he has never seen anything clearly his life.   

“I noticed some white spots in his eyes. I’m afraid he might go blind,” his mother, Renalyn, said, with tears in her own eyes.”  “My son is such a loving child.  It hurts to see him like this.”    

Renalyn and Elpie live on a remote island in the Philippines.  He has never seen an eye doctor since his parents are too poor to take him.   

“My husband works hard as a fisherman, and is away from home a lot,” Renalyn explained.  “We even thought about selling our boat to take him to a doctor.”    

Then Elpie’s teacher, Christina, spent her own money to take him to a doctor on the mainland.  That’s when they all learned about his condition.  

“I thought all he needed was glasses, but the doctors said that it was cataracts and that it would cost $2,300 dollars to fix them,” Christina told us.  “We thought maybe we could all save and get one eye fixed, but we still couldn’t raise enough money.”      

Then the doctor connected the family with Operation Blessing.  Thanks to YOU, we provided Elpie with surgery in both eyes.  Now he can see clearly for the first time in his young life!    

Overflowing with gratitude, Renalyn said, “I’m so thankful to God for bringing Operation Blessing and for Elpie’s teacher.  And thank you to all the people who helped us by paying for his operation!” 

Elpie couldn’t be more excited about his future.  “Thank you, Operation Blessing!” 

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.