Farhod* and Sherzod* grew fearful as their mother’s condition worsened. They weren’t sure what the problem was; they only knew that it was serious. Aynur*, their mother, was so weak that she could no longer walk, and her pain was growing more and more debilitating. Desperate for help, the young men took their mother to a nearby medical clinic.
Run by a community development project in Asia, the clinic provides free healthcare services in a community where few resources exist. The project builds capacity in the healthcare sector and bridges gaps in access for families, like Aynur’s, that have traditionally been underserved.
When the young men arrived at the clinic, they carried Aynur in on a rug. The doctors examined her and quickly realized there was very little they could do. They did, however, know someone who could help: the One who created the heavens and healed, instantaneously, those who had nearly lost all hope.
The doctors asked Farhod and Sherzod for permission to pray for Aynur. The sons agreed, and Aynur’s pain faded. By morning, she was mobile again. Struck by the doctors’ kindness and this powerful answer to prayer, Aynur and her sons grew curious. Later, when they met a local Christian, all three became convinced of the love and power of Christ.
After experiencing healing and transformation in her own life, Aynur was moved to help others. She began serving with the community development project, where she assists women visiting local clinics and has the joy of watching others discover the same hope that she found.
Andy*, an Interserve worker in the region, explains that serving communities in this way is a unique opportunity to build trust.
“In this culture, people don’t listen to those they don’t trust. That’s why taking a holistic approach is so essential. If you don’t build trust, you won’t have a voice.”
“Serving holistically also prompts questions,” adds Diana*, Andy’s wife. “I think especially about projects serving people with disabilities,” she continues. “These folks are often hidden in back rooms of their homes because of how much shame their families experience. And usually, nobody is caring for them. So, we often get questions like, ‘Why did you leave your home country to help me with my disabled child?’ It makes absolutely no sense to them. That opens doors and creates opportunities others don’t have.”
*Names changed.