The meeting with the doctor did not go as expected – he did not want to remove the growth on Elvis’ neck. 

The tumor had been growing on Elvis’ neck for years, limiting his life. It was difficult to make friends, some of the kids at school made fun of him, and he couldn’t participate in any sports. He believed God could heal him, but doubts sometimes crept in.

Many others advocated on his behalf. Both his principal, Mr Siankuku, and Pastor Bernard, a long-time friend of Missionary Ventures, connected with MVI missionaries Hugo and Salomie du Toit. Funding was tight with so many requests in this part of the world, but Hugo and Salomie passed the request along to the MVI home office. A record amount of Core Mission funds for the year had already been sent out, yet MVI’s Director of Advancement Brad Staton was moved by Elvis’ story and wanted to help. He asked his men’s Bible study if they could raise the funds to cover the surgery. Soon everything was in place.

But then the doctor wanted to wait.

“This information was different to what Pastor Bernard understood when he himself spoke to the doctor,” shared Hugo. The doctor wanted to try some medication to see if the growth would soften and decrease in size. It took more time for the doctor to finally agree surgery was the best option. The surgery would happen in Zambia’s capital, Lusaka, a 4-6 hour drive for Elvis and his mother.

They were already on their way when they were contacted to say there had been an emergency and they would have to reschedule. “Very frustrating and costly,” said Hugo, “but not unexpected as this is a government hospital in Africa; which is always a challenge.”

Finally, finally, Elvis’ surgery date was rescheduled and took place without further issues. He felt immediate relief.

“Elvis always believed God could heal him,” says Hugo, “but his faith has grown during the whole process. He now believes that nothing is impossible with God and that He can make a way when it seems there is no way. This whole process has also brought about a spiritual change in his parents lives, too. Previously both his parents did not believe in Jesus. They now also believe God can heal and bring about change.”

Despite all the suffering Elvis had to endure, he has learned first-hand what Paul writes about in Romans 5:3-4: “… we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame…”