How Chitani Found His Worth in God

Before heading out the door, most of us do a few last things in preparation, including slipping on tennis shoes, rainboots, or flip flops—whatever footwear the weather or task of the day requires. 

But imagine not being able to put anything on your feet to protect them—because no shoes quite fit! That was Chitani’s situation as he struggled to live everyday life in Malawi, and the toll it took on his sense of worth was devastating. 

Chitani was born with bilateral clubfoot, where his feet curved in at an angle, causing him to walk awkwardly on the outer sides of his feet. “I want to put on shoes and run like everyone else,” he shared before treatment. 

Everyday Struggles

As soon as Chitani was born, his parents noticed that his tiny feet did not look like most children’s. 

And as Chitani transitioned into toddlerhood and then became school-aged, life became more difficult. The angle of his feet made walking increasingly painful. Besides the pain, the cruel social discrimination he experienced from the other kids at school made him feel worthless and unloved—a common story in the areas where CURE serves. 

His entire life, others had tormented him with the lie that he was “less than” because of his clubfoot—and unfortunately, he began to believe them. 

“As a young boy, I wanted nothing but to join in playing soccer, running, being happy, and feeling included in my community,” he shared. “I hated being treated differently because of my feet.”

Chitani’s parents wanted to seek treatment, but the long distance to the nearest health clinic and their lack of financial resources foiled their dreams of seeing Chitani healed. So they did their best to prepare him to live forever with clubfoot, which would likely include continued discrimination throughout his adult life. 

Despite being excluded and mocked by his classmates, Chitani studied hard at school, where he especially enjoyed math, English, Bible study, and Chichewa (the local Malawian language). 

Then, one day when he was 13, Beit-CURE Children’s Hospital of Malawi (CURE Malawi) held a mobile clinic in his village. Mobile clinics are an important part of CURE’s mission to reach kids like Chitani, who do not have access to the medical care they desperately need. 

At the clinic, Chitani and his family received incredible news: CURE’s doctors could correct his clubfoot through surgery—and all at no cost to him or his family, thanks to the generous support of our donors. 

Renewed Hope and Recovery at CURE

Chitani, accompanied by his brother, Madalitso, made his way to CURE for surgery. He was overjoyed at the chance for a future without clubfoot. “I do not blame my parents for not taking me to a hospital in town when I was a baby,” Chitani said. “I now see hope for me here at CURE Malawi, and I am happy that I will be assisted!”

While at CURE, Chitani received life-changing surgery and experienced invaluable support from the spiritual ministry team as they encouraged him through biblical counseling and God’s Word.

With the team’s support, Chitani learned to dispel the lies he had come to believe about himself because of his disability and understand his value as a child of God. “I have come to grow in so many areas here at CURE Malawi. One of the outstanding growths I’ve experienced is my love for God’s Word and my faith in Him,” he said. 

A couple of months after completing treatment at CURE, the hospital’s staff checked on Chitani and his family during a home visit. His life has changed dramatically—all in great ways—and shoes are now a source of joy instead of stress!

“When I first arrived at CURE, I wasn’t able to put on shoes, walk, jump, run, or even play. But now, I can wear shoes and walk to school. I can put on all kinds of shoes—even flip-flops and slippers,” he shared with a laugh.

Today, Chitani can look forward to a bright future free from pain and disability—a reality made possible thanks to CURE’s faithful supporters!