Yesterday I drove to Tamale with Tommy Harrison (a long-term volunteer – as in, since the early 80s!) to pick up local pastor Baako and his terminally ill wife Fatima. She was seeking treatment at the Tamale Teaching Hospital where she had surgery to attempt to remove a cancerous growth in her throat. Unfortunately it was too little, too late.
The growth began near the back of her tongue just a few months ago and progressed very rapidly. So much so that it now blocks her throat and airway. The breaths through a tube in her neck and is feed through a tube to her stomach. Her swollen tongue is now the size of my fist and protrudes from her mouth. Another tumor is growing out of her jaw. It’s a tragic sight and it breaks my heart to see her suffer so.
Tommy is basically providing hospice care for Fatima at his house in order to keep her as comfortable as possible in these final days/weeks. Her husband is also able to be by her side during this time.
- Thank the Lord that we were able to navigate the rough roads and get her back to Nalerigu safely and without incident.
- Pray that Baako’s faith will be strengthened during this difficult time.
- Please pray for Fatima’s comfort and peace.
- Pray that those in their community who do not know Christ will recognize the eternal hope that Baako and his wife have in Him.
- Pray that Baako will be able to use what he experiences during this time to minister to those he shepherds when they face death and suffering in their families.
May our Lord be glorified in everything!
** UPDATE : Oct 19 **
Fatima passed away this afternoon in hospice care at Tommy’s house. Tonight they are taking her body to her village for burial. We praise the Lord that her suffering is over and she is now with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Please continue to pray for her family, her church and her community as they grieve her passing.