New Hope for Nufi

Nufi Haruna is a 4-year-old who lives in Northern Nigeria. Her home is in Masama village, Kaduna State, a Muslim dominated area. Nufi's poor parents are Christian converts from Islam.

Surgery Too Costly
Nufi was born with a cleft lip deformity. Her father had a similar problem that he simply lived with because his parents could not afford surgery for him. The family feared Nufi had inherited her cleft lip from her father. They knew it could be repaired through surgery. Mr. Haruna went to the Teaching Hospital in Zaria, Kaduna State to ask about the cost. When he was told the surgery would cost $100, he left the hospital and never went back. He could not save enough money.

The local pastor in the village, Pastor Zakariah Ido, heard of the previous cleft lip surgery sponsored by CBN International. He requested help from CBN on behalf of the Haruna family.

When the parents were informed that a Christian organization wanted to show them the love of Christ by sponsoring the cleft lip repair for their daughter, they didn't believe it. But the pastor assured them that it was true. He encouraged them to raise money for their transportation to Jos Teaching Hospital, where the surgery would be performed.

OB Provided the Fare
They tried for a month to raise the fare to Jos and still had less than half of what they needed. They were so desperate that they resorted to selling some of their own food. Still, they fell short of the goal. Then John Kalma, CBN Operation Blessing manager, heard of their predicament and sent some money to Nufi's family for transportation.

When they arrived in Jos, they were very excited. Nufi's mother broke down and wept. Her father was just amazed, and the only thing he could say was: "Thank you CBN. May God pay you back for your love and care."

Their condition was heart-breaking. Nufi's mother could not even afford shoes. She arrived in Jos barefoot. Nufi's 2-year-old brother was partially lame. This was attributed to poor nutrition. The poverty in Nufi's family is so severe that they can barely clothe themselves.

Nufi right after the surgery

Singing Praises to God
After the surgery the mother's face brightened up. In fact, she smiled throughout the days she spent with Nufi in the hospital. She kept saying, "Thank you CBN. May God reward you. My daughter will no longer be like her father."

All through her time in the hospital Nufi sang praises to God.

Other women in the hospital who were taking care of sick patients flocked around Nufi and her mother. They wanted to share in their joy and thanksgiving to God for CBN's great love.

Indeed, CBN International came to the aid of Nufi's family at the time they least expected it. This amazement was reflected in the faces of the pretty young girl and her parents as they waited patiently to be discharged.

Everybody in Nufi's hospital ward noticed the joy and peace on her face. For Nufi and her parents, this surgery was indeed a dream come true.