Aren’s Heart Beats Stronger: A Gift of Compassion Saved His Life

“Aren is a special child. Since birth, my husband Yeremias and I have made every effort to keep him healthy,” says mum, Imelda.

Aren was born in Sumba, Indonesia. Thanks to the Child Survival intervention at their local church, the family had access to vital medical support from the start. Early on, doctors discovered that Aren had a serious heart condition. However, he was too young and frail for surgery and would need to wait until he turned five.

The waiting wasn’t the only challenge.

Though Imelda and Yeremias worked hard as vegetable farmers, affording the expensive surgery – and the long journey to another Indonesian island where it would be performed – seemed impossible. The life-saving operation Aren needed felt completely out of reach.

Growing Pains

As Aren grew, his heart condition worsened. By the time he was four, the symptoms became alarming. His lips and the tips of his toes and fingers turned blue, and even light activities left him gasping for breath. Fatigue and shortness of breath became part of his daily life.

Desperately worried, Aren’s parents did everything they could to care for him. His father often carried him to school to spare him the exertion of walking.

“We didn’t have money to take Aren to the hospital, but we were so grateful he was registered at the Compassion project. Whenever he was unwell, we immediately told the staff,” says Imelda.

The Compassion team quickly recognised the severity of Aren’s condition and stepped in to cover all his medical expenses.

A Journey of Hope

Aren was referred to Denpasar, Bali – a grueling eight-hour sea journey, as he was too frail to fly. Accompanied by his mother and Marselina, Director of their local Compassion project, Aren was admitted to hospital upon arrival.

Three days later, he underwent a three-hour surgery where doctors discovered two holes in his heart, a narrowing of the respiratory tract, and a slanted heart position. After six weeks of recovery, Aren faced another hurdle: he needed further surgery at a specialist hospital in Jakarta, Java.

Once again, flying wasn’t an option. Aren endured a 30-hour bus journey with his mother by his side, holding his hand and praying every step of the way.

“I prayed that the journey would be smooth, and that Aren’s condition would stay stable. I kept asking God to heal my son,” Imelda recalls.

A Miracle for Aren

When they arrived in Jakarta, the family faced yet another delay – a two-month wait for surgery. But God had other plans. Just two weeks later, Aren was taken into the operating room.

“It was a miracle for Aren,” says Imelda. “God’s help was perfectly on time because Aren’s life was in His hands.”

The seven-hour surgery was a success. Imelda, clutching her Bible and praying fervently, couldn’t contain her gratitude when Aren regained consciousness.

“I could only say, thank you, God, for saving my son,” she says.

After two more months of recovery, Aren was finally strong enough to fly back to Sumba.

“I was so excited to see my father and friends again,” says Aren, smiling. “I loved looking at the clouds from the plane!”

Fit to Play Football

Today, Aren is thriving. He plays football with his friends and enjoys the childhood he almost missed. He still takes daily medication and has regular check-ups, supported by the Compassion project.

“We continue to encourage Aren’s parents to take him for regular hospital visits,” says Marselina. “His health is their priority, and they’re always aware of his condition.”

For the first time, Imelda and her family can dream of a bright future without fear.

“As parents, our only wish is for our child to be healthy. This wouldn’t have been possible without Compassion,” says Imelda. “Their quick action gave my son a chance at life.”

Your Gift Could Save a Life

Gifts of Compassion is our new digital giving platform. By blessing a friend or family member with a charity gift, you can meet real needs – like Aren’s life-saving surgery.

Our local church partners identify the greatest needs in their communities, so you can be confident your gift will have a lasting impact.