This is dedicated to my dear friend Mhadeno, whose name means “First Blessing.” Through her life, she offered me a profound perspective on our Heavenly Father’s amazing love, for which I will be forever grateful.

In May 2012, Mhadeno was diagnosed with stage-4 colon cancer. The doctors gave her just six months to live, as the cancer was aggressive. Yet three years later, Mhadeno had faced four major surgeries, over 40 chemotherapy sessions, countless tests, and immense pain in her fight against cancer. Despite the overwhelming odds, she had shown incredible strength and resilience.

A Journey of Faith

In February 2015, Mhadeno was brought to Delhi to continue her treatment at Fortis Hospital, Noida, after a malignant mass was discovered in her right ovary. The mass was so large that it caused significant physical limitations and pain. An immediate surgery was necessary to relieve the pressure on her kidneys, but it was fraught with risks. Aunty Sungsabeni, Mhadeno’s mother, stood unwavering by her side. When asked to sign several consent forms acknowledging the risks, she wrote her initials as SJ—representing both her name and Jesus, whom she entrusted with her daughter’s care.

Before the surgery, Aunty boldly declared her faith, stating, “The mass will be removed with no problem. My Jesus can do it!” This statement, filled with unwavering belief, echoed the trust she had placed in God throughout her life. When the doctors left, Aunty prayed over Mhadeno’s anatomy diagram, asking the God of miracles to show His glory through her healing.

What was meant to be a three-hour surgery was completed in less than an hour. The doctors were astonished to find that the mass, initially thought to be life-threatening, was only the size of an egg. Mhadeno emerged stable and victorious, a testament to the power of prayer and faith.

During this journey, the prayers of our church, family, and friends filled the air, asking God to surprise the doctors and to be the chief surgeon. As Isaiah 49:23 reminds us, those who trust in the Lord shall not be disappointed.

Facing Adversity

Mhadeno’s journey was not without its challenges. Just three days post-surgery, she was back in the hospital, battling severe nausea and weakness. It was during one of my visits that Mhadeno’s words struck me deeply. Despite her frail condition, she expressed her desire to change our prayers from asking for life to embracing what lay beyond—an abundant life promised by Jesus.

Her reflections made me reconsider the depth of her faith. Even in her darkest moments, she held onto Psalm 23:4 and Job 13:15, refusing to let pain sever her connection with God. Mhadeno taught me that life is a beautiful gift meant to be lived for God’s glory.

In her final days, Mhadeno expressed her contentment with the life she had lived and her readiness to embrace the glorious life awaiting her. She had come to know Jesus as her personal Savior through her battle with cancer, and this relationship transformed her from a skeptic to a believer filled with hope and assurance.

The Gift of Perspective

Mhadeno’s journey ultimately became a beautiful narrative of faith, illustrating how God pursues His children with relentless love. She demonstrated that even in suffering, there is purpose and a promise of glory. Her story has been a testament to the incredible strength that comes from faith, reminding us all that God’s plans often extend beyond our understanding.

As she now prepares to enter her eternal home, where she will never grow old or feel pain, I am reminded of all the miracles God performed in her life. These were not just for her but for all of us—to witness the incredible power of faith and the depths of God’s love.

I am thankful for the opportunity to have been with Mhadeno in her final weeks, learning invaluable lessons from her unwavering spirit. For anyone facing impossible situations, remember that it’s not over until God says it’s over. He is always a very present help in times of trouble.

Aunty Sungsabeni’s strength and faith have shown us how to lean on God, and I am forever inspired by her trust. When life feels overwhelming, let us pause and remember that God does not place us in situations we cannot handle. With Him, we can face any mountain.

A Lasting Impact

Mhadeno’s life has been a beacon of hope. She has shown us how to embrace faith even in the darkest valleys. She has taught us to recognize the beauty in life and the promise of what lies beyond. her courage and grace in the face of adversity will inspire generations to come.