Those email prayer requests you scroll past – what if one of them held a miracle waiting to happen? If you ever wondered whether your prayers really make a difference, this story from Mozambique answers with a resounding “yes!”

Jennie grew up in Southern Africa as a missionary kid. In 2016, she returned to Mozambique with a medical team serving at Inhaloi Hospital. While there, she met Amarildo, a local high school English teacher. The two began working together on a multiyear project to create an updated dictionary for the local language, and over time their partnership grew into a meaningful friendship.

One day, Amarildo shared heartbreaking news with Jennie: One of his brothers had been killed in a car accident. This loss devastated the family. Another brother, Roberto, was studying English at the university, but the grief overwhelmed him. He sank into depression and anxiety and eventually left his studies.

After returning to his rural village, Roberto’s condition worsened. In his grief, he struggled mentally and spiritually, at times threatening harm to himself and others. In desperation – and with no access to proper care – his family restrained him by chaining him to a tree to protect both him and those around him. One evening he escaped, broke into another property, and was beaten nearly to death.

Despite the fog of his mental illness, Roberto showed moments of awareness. At one point, he reassured Amarildo, saying, “Don’t worry, don’t cry, I’m OK.” Yet, people were fearful, keeping their distance and offering food without coming near him.

Soon after, through a miraculous set of circumstances, Amarildo met a doctor experienced in mental health and a remarkable thing happened. The doctor agreed to travel to the village and started Roberto on a home treatment plan.

In the past year, Roberto has experienced significant healing and peace. He is now able to work with his family and is even hoping to get his driver’s license. Amarildo directly credits the prayers of the church in Kansas. With tears he says, “I’m so grateful. We could be telling a different story. I tried everything, and nothing worked until God said it was the right time.” 

After Roberto’s two-year battle with mental illness, missionaries Hink and Kaylene Smidderks were able to him in his village. What a joy to see the fruit of faithful prayers. Your prayers do make a difference!