Ama was rushed to Hôpital Baptiste Biblique (HBB) in critical condition, her limp figure carried through the emergency entrance by two family members and laid on an awaiting stretcher.
Nurses gathered to hurriedly collect vital signs and stabilize her, while another questioned her family to determine what had happened.
Ama, a 28-year-old mother, had intentionally ingested an herbicide, intending to end her life. She later confessed that her husband, a Muslim, had recently married a second wife, plunging her into despair.
HBB staff worked to remove as much of the poison as possible, but her body had already absorbed a large quantity. At first, her vital signs and lab tests remained stable. ABWE missionaries and HBB chaplains visited Ama’s bedside, providing not only medical care but explaining the hope available through Christ.
“We shared how much God cares for her and offered a clear gospel presentation,” reported ABWE nurse practitioner John Groeneveld, “but Ama expressed no interest in the truth of Jesus Christ.”
Two days later, she was discharged in stable condition, only to return to HBB the following day with difficulty swallowing due to the caustic effects of the poison. Her breathing soon became labored. Labs revealed multiple organ failure.
Short-term missionary doctor Joy Smith solemnly delivered the results to Ama, explaining that the poison had won the cruel battle in her body.
“I saw that she was unlikely to survive much longer,” Joy said. “Through tears, I appealed to her to put her trust in Jesus.”
This time, Ama listened. Late that night, a Togolese physician assistant, Chantal, gently reminded the woman of the sobering reality of dying apart from Christ and the assurance of eternal life for those who repent and believe. Ama’s heart, once hardened and broken, began to soften at her words.
In the morning, with fading breath, Ama told those at her bedside of her decision: she had placed her faith in Christ. Only six hours after her conversion, she entered eternity.
“We wept, both at the tragedy of her death and at the providences that opened her heart to believe in Jesus,” Joy shared.
Thanks to the efforts of missionaries and hospital staff, every patient hears biblical truth—even those who, like the thief on the cross, face their final chance before it is too late.
“We firmly believe that HBB is more than a hospital. In the face of tragedy and suffering, people find hope and purpose in the gospel.”
John Groeneveld
“We firmly believe that HBB is more than a hospital,” said John. “In the face of tragedy and suffering, people find hope and purpose in the gospel.”
Editor’s Note: Ama’s name has been changed for privacy.
