Samaritan's Purse doctors are able to care for a 9-month-old infant with a remarkable tale
By Randy Bishop, Samaritan’s Purse staff writer.
Our medical team saw many patients in its first few days working at the Shistosomiasis Research and Training Center in Palo, but probably none more amazing than little 9-month-old Arche.
Arche was brought to the Schistosomiasis hospital by her auntie, Angie. As Angie talked with a local nurse, Elaine, an incredible story began to unfurl.
As the storm surge from Typhoon Haiyan grew, Arche’s mom and dad and grandmother tried to find shelter. They didn’t make it. Arche’s dad tied himself by rope to a tree with his baby daughter tucked inside his shirt. The two of them survived, but Arche’s mom and grandmom were swept away in the water.
Eventually Arche’s dad found their way to an evacuation shelter. They’ve been living there ever since because their home, like most in Palo, was destroyed.
Dr. Linda Mobula, a member of the Samaritan’s Purse team, examined her today and treated her with antibiotics for pneumonia. Pneumonia is one of the most common illnesses being treated right now because so many have inadequate clothing and shelter. For those in evac shelters the risk too is high because of the close living quarters.
Arche’s aunt brought her because her father was still out looking for the bodies of relatives. Three Samaritan’s Purse doctors prayed for them before their short visit ended.
Dispensing spiritual care along with the medical is all a part of their calling.
“(God) has called us to use our talents to give Him glory and part of that is taking care of the most vulnerable and those in distress,” Dr. Mobula said.
Please pray for Arche and her father and extended family. So many have lost loved ones and homes and don’t know how to begin again.
