The gift of a new heart – this is what Sarah and her friends bring to poor tribal group children who are suffering from heart ailments and do not know Jesus Christ. Their mission is to extend healing to these kids by providing them with the appropriate medical treatment they need, while sharing Christ and encouraging them to invite Him into their hearts.

Sarah Panalo (not her real name) works as a Filipino missionary in East Asia (place can not be specified) for some eight years now. Leaving her family and work in the Philippines , Sarah relocated to this area as a full-time missionary helping sick children find help. With the support and funding from other Christian groups, she and her team provide assistance for heart surgeries and other medical tests to kids who are critically ill but cannot afford treatment.

Last May, Sarah and a medical team traveled five hours north of the city where they were staying to a place located some 13,000 feet high up in the mountains. “The community was in the middle of nowhere, it was a very poor village inhabited by some 200,000 people. Going up there and adjusting to the high altitude and extreme weather was a challenge… there was heavy snow almost everyday,” Sarah shares.

The team stayed for a few days and screened kids for congenital heart disease. The altitude and lack of oxygen supply in the highlands of East Asia (place can not be specified) is especially detrimental to the health of those with a weak heart. Children found to be suffering from cardiovascular disorders are brought to a lower land for treatment and are sometimes advised to relocate here for health purposes.

After checking more than 2,400 kids, 37 of them were diagnosed with various heart problems and were recommended for medical help. As soon as enough funds are gathered and hospital arrangements are made by the team, treatment for the patients will begin immediately.

“It’s such a joy to be a part of helping them. This is a once in a lifetime chance for them to receive help, and maybe their only opportunity to hear about Jesus Christ…” she shares.

Sarah recalls the story of Menta (not her real name), a 12-year-old tribal girl who underwent a heart surgery under their care. Menta was diagnosed with multiple heart complications and needed immediate medical attention.

“She was very sick, her skin was purple. We really thought she wouldn’t make it… the doctors gave us very little hope of survival,” Sarah recounts.

Days before Menta’s scheduled operation, Sarah, together with another missionary friend, spent time to pray and strengthen her spirit. Then finally, Menta’s surgery day arrived and she was wheeled to the operating room. Outside, her parents waited anxiously hoping for the best. All throughout the procedure that lasted some 12 hours, Sarah and her team stayed close to the family to pray and encourage them.

Miraculously, Menta survived the operation. Her parents couldn’t contain their joy upon seeing that their daughter was finally well. Once fully recovered, she will undergo a second heart surgery in three years.

“I am grateful and amazed at the opportunities the Father is opening for me to serve Him, and influence lives for Him and His kingdom,” Sarah quips.