A New Heart with Compassion

When Crister Ayo was 12, he was diagnosed with a heart condition that doctors said could kill him. The Philippine boy was devastated. Crister feared he might not live to see his 13th birthday.

Crister had rheumatic heart disease, which could permanently damage his heart valves. He also had acute rheumatic fever and an infection at the anterior tip of his heart.

Crister needed heart surgery. And he needed it fast.

But Crister's parents could never afford surgery. His father earns only about $200 a month as a teacher.

But because Crister was enrolled in Compassion's Life Care and Development Student Center in Naga City, Philippines, Compassion was able to fund the surgery through its Partners of Compassion program.

Crister's heart surgery was a success. He is now a young teenager enjoying his new beginning.

"We're very grateful to God that He helped us in a very perfect time," says Crister's mother. "When Crister was diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease, our family was already in financial difficulty. My husband was also hospitalized due to kidney and hypertensive problems. We accepted the fact that only God can do miracles in our situation."

"But for all of the pain, we experienced the love of God through the church and Compassion," she explains. "May the good Lord continually bless the ministry of the Compassion and all the donors and sponsors who give generously."

Compassion International is a CVC charity. To support Compassion's work, designate your gift to #127

Read more stories ...