When Belief Meets Reality: A Father’s Choice That Saved His Son
By Leana Padera (Communications Graduate Intern)
With a deeply rooted religious belief system that preaches against medical intervention and emphasises healing through devotion and prayer, the Ruzvidzo family from Chirozva Village in Buhera District never imagined that their faith would be tested through their son’s pain.
Tinashe (12) was a playful boy, full of dreams like any other child. One day, he complained of a toothache, something that seemed minor at first. Following the norms of their faith, the family sought help at their church where his tooth was removed. But instead of relief, Tinashe had an infection. The infection grew into what seemed to be a tumour. As time passed, the swelling in his cheek grew unbearable, and pus began to ooze from one of cheeks.
The family hoped for a miracle. Bound their religious convictions and fear of judgement, Tranos, Tinashe’s father, stayed the course of prayer and hoped for a miracle.
“My son suffered for a while, and it broke me,” Tranos said with emotion. “I was torn. I wanted to do the right thing by my faith but I also wanted my son to get help” he added.
While conducting routine checks on children from the community, a World Vision Zimbabwe Community Development Worker came across Tinashe and immediately raised the alarm. What followed was a rapid, compassionate response from World Vision Zimbabwe, who worked alongside the Department of Social Development, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, and the Village Headman to speak with Tranos.
“He was afraid,” recalled Mr. Noah Nyowani, World Vision Zimbabwe Operational Area Manager for Nyashanu and Chirozva. “Afraid of what his community would say, afraid of going against his faith. But we assured him that allowing us to help the boy was not an act of sin. It was an act of love.”
Tinashe was then taken to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, where he received life-saving treatment. Thanks to World Vision Zimbabwe, all medical and surgery equipment were paid for and, Dr. Manana and his team performed the surgery for free as part of his commitment to help vulnerable children. Tinashe was on his way to recovery.
“World Vision Zimbabwe saved my son’s life,” said Tranos, his voice filled with both humility and gratitude.
“Their help gave me courage when I had none. I cannot believe that I might have lost my son to my faith.” he added.
Tranos looks forward to seeing his son back in school and playing with his friends like he used to. He strongly believes that his son will grow up to become a young successful man that he is meant to be. Tinashe himself already knows what he wants to be when he grows up.
“I want to be a farmer when I grow up," said Tinashe with a shy smile. I look forward to playing my soccer with my friends” he added.
Tinashe’s story gently reminds us that sometimes, certain beliefs can stand in the way of a child’s well-being and it is often innocent children who suffer the most. It calls on all of us to protect those who cannot protect themselves and to ensure that every child, regardless of circumstance, has the chance to live, thrive, and dream.