Renewing Lives by Healing Hearts

Earlier this year, Kristy Graham traveled to the Cayman Islands to meet families who were forever changed through Children’s Heart Project. Children's Heart Project brings kids with a hole in their heart to the U. S. and the Cayman Islands for heart surgery, which is almost impossible to access in their home countries. Kristy talked with Cindy Bonsall, the director of Children’s Heart Project, about how God has opened the door for Samaritan’s Purse to work in the Cayman Islands. Now, many more children are able to receive this life-changing surgery and, as a result, hear the Gospel.

While in Grand Cayman, Kristy sat down with Angela, the Mission House coordinator on the island. The Mission House is a home that is dedicated to ministry and discipleship. It is a peaceful place where families can rest and recover after surgery.

“It is just so absolutely amazing to see the work of God in the lives, not just of children and their surgeries, but in the lives of mothers and guardians who come here having no idea whatsoever about God.” —Angela

During her trip to the Cayman Islands, Kristy talked with two mothers from Mongolia whose kids received heart surgery. Both of their hearts were also renewed as they received Christ. One of the moms said that before the trip, she would pray to an unknown God, but now she knows the truth—Jesus Christ is working in her life. The second mother from Mongolia expressed that she finally has peace in her heart.

The translators play a vital role in Children's Heart Project. Often these translators and the moms build a close relationship through the discipleship process. While on the ground, Kristy asked the translator how she witnessed God working in the hearts of these two mothers from Mongolia.

“I noticed they have a big desire to study His Word. And then when we read the Bible and discuss at the end, they would understand rapidly. So, I was thinking, God is doing this. His Holy Spirit is working in them.” —Translator

Cindy shared how Children’s Heart Project facilitates follow-up appointments with a cardiologist as needed. But most importantly, there is spiritual follow-up. Samaritan’s Purse staff visit the families, and sometimes they even bring a pastor. If they've accepted Christ, staff members help them find and connect with a local church. Additionally, every child that has gone through this program is invited to Heart Camp once they have reached the age of 5 where they are exposed to the teachings of the Bible.

“I wouldn't even be here if this was just a surgical project. It wouldn't be the same. But it's a kingdom-focused project, and it's all about giving new life in Christ. And I've watched over and over again the Lord bearing witness of Himself through these surgeries. He really speaks to the patients, to the moms through these surgeries.” —Cindy Bonsall

Kristy shared verses from Colossians that came to mind as she reflected on seeing the host families and translators at work. Every word and deed is aimed to glorify the Lord. And in turn, this dedication earned them the right to share about their Savior and teach the moms straight from the Bible.

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” —Colossians 3:14-17 (ESV)

Please continue to pray for these mothers and their children who have returned home with their hearts renewed. Pray for Children’s Heart Project staff, our partner hospitals, host families, and translators as they continue to serve faithfully. If you’d like to keep up to date with more stories on the ground, please visit SamaritansPurse.org.