The death of another child

In April 2010, an 11-year-old named Martha died in Angola because of a ruptured appendix.

Martha had started complaining to her mother about severe stomach cramps. After a few days, her mother took her to the clinic in town. The doctor said it was nothing to worry about and sent them both home. But, Martha continued to have pain and said it was only getting worse.

Three days later, Martha's mother took her to the same clinic and was told the same thing. She was given some “panados” for Martha to take and sent home again.

Still in pain two days later, Martha was taken back to the clinic. This time Martha’s uncle came with them. The doctor once again repeated the same story, but the uncle insisted that Martha must be hospitalised. But, even after a week in hospital, there was still no progress in the child's condition.

On Sunday evening, Martha’s uncle visited Wessel and Joan, the leaders of OM in Angola. When Joan, a qualified nurse, questioned him about Martha's condition he explained her symptoms. Joan immediately realised that Martha could have a ruptured appendix.

Joan and Wessel, and American OMers Jonathan and Layne, went to the hospital the following day, praying that the doctors would realize that they needed to operate on Martha very soon. At the hospital, they were told Martha was in the operating room. A doctor came out of the room looking very worried and asked for Martha’s parents. He informed her father that his little girl had died from a ruptured appendix.

Martha’s death, like so many in Angola, was so unnecessary. These deaths are largely due to the lack of trained personnel in hospitals, especially those in the rural parts of the country. According to studies by the UN, Angola is one of the worst places in the world to be a child. One in three children dies before the age of five.

Please pray for improved conditions concerning the health system in Angola. Pray especially for well- trained medical personnel. Pray for Joan and Wessel to know what role OM can play in this area.

OM’s role in the Church is to mobilise people to share the knowledge of Jesus and His love with every generation in every nation. OM pioneers and leads initiatives to redeem lives, rebuild communities and restore hope in over 110 countries.