For decades, Dante Sumangil lived with blurred vision. It began in the 1980s when a grain injured his right eye. Over the years, the condition worsened. Even after an earlier operation, the pterygium returned and spread until it made daily life a constant struggle.
Reading his Bible became difficult. Tending his backyard vegetables and feeding his chickens was a challenge. The heat of the sun caused him pain and walking outside brought the fear of falling. Farming, which had been his life’s work, became nearly impossible.
Despite his condition, Dante never stopped believing that God would make a way. For a year, he and his family prayed for help. There were moments of doubt and moments when he wondered if it would ever come, but they held on to their faith.
Then came the call that changed everything. Dante would receive pterygium surgery through Operation Blessing.
“The joy I felt was beyond words,” Dante said. “God used Operation Blessing to be an instrument for me to be operated. It is indeed an answered prayer. Getting connected with Operation Blessing is a gift from above. We have been praying for this and now God has answered us.”
On July 2025, Dante returned to Midsayap, North Cotabato for his follow-up check-up. At first, there was uncertainty.
Would all the stitches be removed? His doctor explained it would depend on how well the healing had progressed.
Praise God, upon examination, the doctor confirmed that all the stitches could be taken out! The procedure went smoothly and Dante left the clinic with clearer vision and renewed hope.
Today, Dante can move freely again. He can go to his garden, care for his chickens, and read his Bible without the same struggles. His family no longer worries about the possibility of him going blind.
Most of all, Dante carries a testimony of God’s goodness that he shares with his community. “God has been so good to me,” he says with joy in his eyes. “I can now do the things I could not do before.”
Dante’s story is only one of many. Every gift you give helps bring life-changing care to people in need, people who are waiting and praying for help just like Dante was. To give to our Life-Changing Surgery Project, go to www.operationblessing.ph. Call 0998-551-1990 or 0939-921-5543 for more details.
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