SIERRA LEONE-Harding Sesay- Maxillo Facial

Harding Sesay



Harding before surgery

Harding Sesay was an active 16-year-old in Guinea – a busy high school student and a midfielder on his community football (soccer) team. Then a boil on his nose began to grow until it stuck out like a giant muffin, blocking the vision in his right eye.

The emotional suffering was even worse than the physical. His gentle spirit was crushed when classmates laughed and made fun of him. Strangers stared and giggled. He was so embarrassed, he stopped going to school. For three years, he tried to remove the growth using traditional African medicine, a mixture of leaves pasted on his skin. But it didn’t help.

 

When his parents abandoned him, he went to Sierra Leone and moved in with friends who understood his problem. For seven years, he sat at home and they took care of him.   One day Harding heard a radio announcement that Mercy Ships was on its way to Freetown to offer surgeries for facial tumors – free of charge! He went to the Minister of Health, who directed him to a medical screening.



Harding after Surgery

A few days later, Harding was admitted to the hospital ward. Nurse Corina Buth prepared him for surgery and witnessed his operation. When she noticed how much blood he was losing, she registered to be a donor for him, since her blood type matched his.  And, later that evening,


Corina was called to the Intensive Care Unit, where she donated her life-saving blood.

The next morning, as Corina was caring for him, Harding wanted to tell her how grateful he was that she donated blood for him, but he couldn’t find the words. But Corina understood. “His eyes told the whole story,” she said.




Dr Leo Cheng Harding's surgeon





Harding was overwhelmed by the love and care he received on the Africa Mercy. He couldn’t believe the volunteer surgeons had done such a wonderful job removing the tumor from his nose. “He was asking for a mirror all the time,” said Corina.

While recovering, he was invited to a Bible study. Despite the fact that he was a Muslim, he attended. Many of his questions were answered, and when the study focused on 1 Corinthians, he got very excited.  He told the Clementine, the Bible teacher, he wanted to give his life to Jesus. She explained the importance of such a decision, and asked him why he wanted to become a Christian. “Because this is the true love,” he answered.



The nurses say goodbye to Harding

Harding was discharged on a Sunday morning. Before he left, he asked to speak to the crowd gathered at the Sunday service in the ward.  “For so many years I suffered,” he said, referring to the seven years he hid from society. “I was a Muslim when I came. Now, I am happy. Thanks to God for what Mercy Ships has done for me.”


Harding leaves with a broad smile





 


 



Photos by Debra Bell  / Story by Elaine B. Winn