Ernesto’s Story
May the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
Hola VN Fam!
I don’t know about you, but I can always go for some good news! We are bombarded everyday from media with things that just drag us down.
The same can happen with us in Nicaragua. We see so much need and it can be hard to not feel discouraged. But, it’s in those moments where we need the Lord to give us the eyes to see where he is working. In the middle of need, in the middle of the mess of this world, and remind us we serve a God of HOPE.
So, it’s our pleasure to share a story of hope with you all today. For those of you who may not have had the pleasure of meeting Ernesto, you can check out his story here: Ernesto’s Story
The last time we shared about Ernesto he was still doing his in-home dialysis four times a day for forty minutes each treatment. Through the night. Every day. It became very grueling and over time, not as successful as it was when he first started 2 1/2 years ago.
Here are some pictures of Ernesto’s dialysis room in his home.
When we left Ernesto in March his blood pressure was extremely high, and the doctors were having a hard time getting it controlled. He was having severe headaches, and his feet and legs were very swollen. Due to this, the doctors suggested he switch from peritoneal dialysis to hemodialysis. The hope being that this treatment can better filter his kidneys.
This isn’t a easy decision or process in Nicaragua because there are not many clinics that offer this service, and the ones that do are packed with the many men in the area who are in great need of the hemodialysis machines. They have to work with a very strict schedule, and the patients have to show up whenever there is an opening. Not to mention that the treatments are $100 per. treatment. Yes, per. treatment.
This was how Ernesto was keeping track of the time of his treatments (left) and the book where he recorded his blood pressure (right).
He has to be EXTREMELY cautious and careful when he was doing his treatments. The smallest amount of infection could be life-threatening. When he is in his treatment room no one is allowed in.
This is where Ernesto would sit to do his treatments.
Well, we serve a God that is bigger than all of that! Not only was Ernesto admitted into the program, but the treatments are FREE! His insurance totally covered it all! May the God of HOPE. The new port that was needed as well as the treatments! All covered!! Fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in HIM!
Now instead of the multiple treatments throughout the day, he goes three times a week (M,W,F) to Leon, from 11am-4pm. With this new treatment, he is not as confined to his house and is able to leave with his family to the park or church. Not to mention his blood pressure is now CONTROLLED!! PRAISE JESUS!!
What a privilege it has been to walk alongside Ernesto through this process. If you have met him you know what I mean. He’s an incredible example of faith. He is an exceptional father and husband. He continues to give the Lord the glory for sustaining him and his family through this process. It’s by no means easy or for the faint of heart, but as he says, “God gives me the strength I need for each day.”
May your faith be enriched today by Ernesto’s story and how the Lord shows up in the middle and the mess of each of our lives and brings HOPE.
What’s your story of hope?
*Please continue to pray for Ernesto, his wife Ana and their daughter Nareli.*
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