Pelita Methodist featured the work of the Methodist Clinic, Sitiawan in the April 2004 issue. Below is the testimony of one patient who attended the Clinic’s Disability Support Programme (DSP). As Dr. Eddy Lo the Medical Director explained, the patient is a new Christian and has requested not to reveal his name.

Adam (not his real name) balancing precariously on his legs, hanging on to the walking frame, learning to walk again. His heart is filled with hope once again.

About eight months ago his world was dark and without hope, as he laid in bed facing the ceiling, having to be fed by his mother.
 
Adam, a 17 years old SPM student from a single parent home, had to work in the pasar malam to supplement his family income. One rainy night, he slipped on a wet greasy road and cut his left leg on a rusty metal sheet. It didn't seem to be a big cut. His mother washed the wound with water and bandaged it. The next afternoon at school he felt unwell. His mother gave him two panadol and he went to bed to sleep it off. The next morning his whole body felt weak and he could not move his limbs. Fearing he might have a stroke, his relatives admitted him to the Johor Bahru General Hospital.

After many tests, a diagnosis of paralysis due to infection was made. There was no improvement in his condition after ten days. He was completely unable to move his four limbs. His relatives discharged him and took him to an Ipoh Specialist Hospital for treatment. He left the hospital without any improvement after a week’s hospitalization.

Adam's whole world was turned upside down. He could not even sit up. His whole body and limbs were flaccid and useless. His mother had hoped that after his SPM Adam can get a job and help support the family. But now, his mother had to give up her work as a baby minder to look after him. Their situation was so desperate that they could not even pay their house rent.

On hearing their predicament, Adam's grandmother in Sitiawan offered them a roof over their heads. That’s how they came to Sitiawan. They heard about the Disability Support Programme in the Methodist Clinic, and Adam was brought to the clinic by his aunt for consultation. Adam had to be physically carried into the Clinic for examination and treatment.

Every day his mother and aunt brought him to the Clinic for comprehensive treatment including medical acupuncture, physiotherapy, counseling and follow-up.

Preacher Chan Pek Mee and Pastor Yeo Siok Lian were invited to tell Adam and his mother about the loving grace and power of God. They shared the Gospel with them while the medical team carried out medical treatment, prayer re-enforcement and encouragement regularly.
Praise the Lord, Adam and his mother accepted Christ as their personal Savior and learned to pray. Adam also made progress clinically: From being fed to feeding himself; from lying down all day to sitting up and moving in a wheel chair; and then walking with a support frame. Adam experienced a change from staring hopelessly at the ceiling to having a positive attitude through hope in Christ Jesus.

Adam looks forward to full recovery of his independence. He hopes to take up a traineeship in cooking and to be a chef one day to support his mother and younger brother. He requests for prayer from faithful Christians for him to recover fully and to grow in faith so that he may find favour with man and God.

Thanks and Praise to God for His mercy and His healing power!
Written by Yeo Chee Kah