by
Daniel Kradolfer, Swiss surgeon at the Good News Hospital

The day started like any other. But before the morning meeting in the surgery department at Hopitaly Vaovao Mahafaly could begin, a sense of urgency arose. A critical emergency was underway: a man who had been severely stabbed was to be airlifted to us by Helimission. Who would accompany the mission? When would the helicopter arrive? What supplies were needed to stabilize the patient on site? These and other questions quickly surfaced and had to be resolved.

Then came uncertainty: the helicopter’s departure was delayed. The patient’s family still had to decide whether they could afford the financial contribution for the rescue mission. Minutes felt like hours as a box with essential medical supplies was prepared at the hospital. Finally, the welcome news came: the village elder had decided that the community would cover the costs. The helicopter took off from Antananarivo and landed on our helipad 1 hour and 45 minutes later.

Dr. Rado, who has been training as a surgeon at the Good News Hospital, boarded the helicopter, equipped with everything necessary for emergency treatment in a remote area. The destination was Belalona, a secluded village so isolated that Google Maps does not show a track to it. It is inaccessible by car and it would take two days to reach by motorbike. Today, however, a 40-minute flight would determine life or death.

The Mission in Belalona

Upon arrival, a massive crowd awaited—the entire village and people from nearby villages had gathered.

Thomas, the patient, (not his real name) had a gaping abdominal wound with intestines protruding on the left side, along with multiple cuts and stab wounds to the head and right flank.

Under the watchful eyes of the village elder and gendarmes, Thomas’s condition and vital signs were stabilized, his wounds were covered, and his trip to the hospital prepared. His wife was able to accompany him.

The Surgery – A Race Against Time

Once at Hopitaly Vaovao Mahafaly, the process moved rapidly. Blood tests, an emergency ultrasound—the diagnosis was clear: Thomas needed immediate surgery. Injuries to the lung, intestines, spleen, and several deep lacerations posed a significant challenge. During the hours-long operation, the team repaired the big pleura tear behind a broken rib, placed a chest drain, evacuated a lot of blood from the abdominal cavity, replaced the intestines in the abdomen, closed a perforation in the colon, stopped the spleen bleeding, drained the pancreas, and treated all other injuries.

Post-surgery, Thomas was closely monitored in our intensive care unit. After just a few days, he was transferred to the general ward, where he and his wife could attend daily devotions and hear the Good News of Jesus. A week later, he was discharged with well-healing wounds and no complications.

Returning Home with Mixed Feelings

Two weeks later, Helimission returned—this time for a planned mission. By chance, there was space for a flight to the neighbouring village of Lanjarivo, just a day’s walk from Belalona. Thomas was overjoyed to shorten the arduous journey home. However, returning to his village filled him with mixed emotions.

He had a wife and four children, the youngest only 18 months old. But the attack that left him injured was no random act. It was carried out by one of his co-workers, who, along with two others, had assaulted him at the end of the month to steal his wages. He didn’t know if his attackers were still in the area. But his family and quiet trust gave him strength. “I was born there; my family is there. I have no other place to go,” he said quietly before beginning his journey home.

Prayer points

1. Please pray for Thomas and his family, that they may come to trust in the Lord Jesus and grow in faith in Him.

2. Please pray for the village of Belalona, that a Bible-centred cell group may be formed.

3. Please pray for Helimission, a faithful and reliable partner for many years, that they may continue to support our Community Health Team by transporting them to various villages for health education, vaccinations, and sharing the Gospel.

4. Please pray for the surgical team, who make such operations possible. They have a heavy workload and spend many nights operating.