The Centre for the Advancement of the Handicapped (CAH) project in Burkina Faso continues to transform lives—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Enjoy this young woman's testimony ...

My name is *Fatima. I’m 20 years old. I am Fulani. My village is located 405 kilometers from Mahadaga, Burkina Faso. I wasn’t born handicapped. Everything started when I was 4-years-old.

I had terrible headaches and was taken to the hospital. After the headaches were treated and gone, I could no longer walk well. My parents thought this problem would go away, but the older I got, the worse the problem became. I couldn’t walk long distances. Eventually, I wasn’t able to walk at all; even simple domestic tasks became difficult for me. Every day I was sad because I was left alone in my compound. I was completely dependent on others, even for the smallest need.

One day, an elder from the church suggested to my father that he bring me to the church so that they could pray for me. Since we were in need, my father did not hesitate. The pastor prayed for me, and then suggested that I go to the Centre for the Advancement of the Handicapped to be examined. After the examination, the management team of the Centre suggested that I go to the hospital in Tangieta for surgery. At Tangieta, the treatment was painful, but I endured it because my autonomy was one of my deepest desires. I spent 4 months in Tangieta.

After rehabilitation, I can now walk well. I continue therapy to increase my strength, and I am very happy. I am also proud to have accepted Jesus Christ through this illness. The church really supported me through prayer, financial support, and fellowship. I am also very thankful to the CAH for their help.