One tropical summer evening, 13 year-old Sara Davis strolled down the aisles of cribs at an orphanage in Mandeville, Jamaica. As children settled in for the night, the girl overheard a little boy asking God to help him walk.

The boy was Christopher Bandoo, age three, a Jamaican orphan who suffered from cerebral palsy, which made it impossible for him to put his heels on the ground. Unable to walk without help, he crawled during playtime, skinning his knees as he tried to keep up with the other children who were running and moving about freely.

Later that night, when the missionary volunteers convened to discuss the day’s activities, Sara broke down in tears. “We have to help that little guy!” she cried.

The others agreed. Sara, her mother, Darcy, and Carolee Mayne had come from Southern California to serve at the orphanage for two weeks. Their hearts were broken when they saw how Bandoo suffered. With no money or insurance, doors to medical care in Jamaica remained closed. Discouraged but determined, they flew home, promising to return soon.

God Will Make a Way

Nine months later, Mayne sought treatment for a badly sprained knee from William Stetson, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Glendale Adventist Medical Center (GAMC). During their visits, the two traded mission field stories. One such conversation prompted Mayne to mention Bandoo. Stetson listened intently and, without hesitation, offered to perform the necessary operation.

“I call that a divine appointment!” Mayne said. “God took something that was painful and uncomfortable for me and used it to answer an orphan’s prayer.”

Miracles began happening rapidly. Despite the fact that pediatric services were not offered at the hospital, GAMC administrators decided to donate surgical facilities and physical therapy services—plus leg casts, braces and plenty of toys. Air Jamaica helped with plane fare. Western Drug donated a small wheelchair, a walker and $1,000.

The Davis family moved Bandoo, now five, into their home. “We fell in love with him,” Darcy admitted. “He has a joy in his heart. He never complains. He wants nothing because he’s never had anything.”

Hearts and Hands in Motion

On Jan. 6, 2004, Stetson performed the operation at GAMC. He cut the Achilles’ tendon at the back of each foot, thus allowing Bandoo to place his heels on the ground. Casts followed for six weeks.

Today, the boy is wearing leg braces. He is undergoing physical therapy treatment that will continue until he returns to Jamaica in June. Soon, he will walk for the first time on his own.

Perhaps Bandoo is too young to understand how God guided the hands and hearts of so many skilled and caring people. But one thing he knows for sure—he has a Heavenly Father who answers his prayers.

“Christopher always has a smile,” Sara reported. “Now, I guess we’re going to have to find another child to help!”