In the middle of Sunday service,. Rafael fights to endure the unbearable pain in his spine. Sitting is uncomfortable, standing for long is impossible, and even sleeping often brings no rest. The acute scoliosis he has battled since second grade has now worsened, bending his spine to a staggering 82 degrees. Permanent paralysis looms over his life if surgery is not performed soon.

Sitting on his motorbike, Mr. Alphonsus (Rafael’s dad) puts everything on the line as an online motorcycle taxi driver. The little money he makes is his only hope to save his son

That morning, sorrow hung in the air on the side of a Bekasi street. Mr. Alphonsus sat silently on the small steps of a minimarket. He hadn’t slept all night, tirelessly riding around in search of passengers. But not a single order had come through his app. Painfully, when one finally did, it turned out to be a fake. It would be a lie to say he wasn’t exhausted, but giving up wasn’t an option. He kept pushing, collecting every bit of rupiah for the surgery—the only way to save his son from permanent paralysis.

Rafael Christiano Suseno was born with a sweet smile that always warmed the hearts of his parents, Mrs. Angela and Mr. Alphonsus. Tragically, that signature smile now often disappears, stolen by relentless pain. Since 2016, Rafael has been fighting scoliosis. He was just in second grade at the time. Now, the condition is visibly severe as his spine continues to bend further.

Sitting is never comfortable, standing becomes unbearable, and sleeping is a struggle filled with pain. Every time the pain strikes, Rafael’s smile fades, and the light in his eyes dims. Yet, his passion for learning never wanes—he remains determined to excel.

Heartbreakingly, at his age now, his scoliosis has become critical and continues to deteriorate. What once was a 30-degree curve has now reached 82 degrees. Permanent paralysis threatens his future if the surgery and therapy aren’t done immediately.

The problem is, the total cost of the treatment and necessary support reaches tens of millions of rupiah, far beyond what BPJS (national health insurance in Indonesia) covers. How could Mr. Alphonsus possibly raise that much money in such a short time? Now, riding his motorbike through the streets, he clings to hope with every incoming order. Though the earnings are small, his gratitude remains immense.

“Lord Jesus, no parent ever wants to see their child suffer. Though our hearts are broken and heavy, we believe You see us, and know that we can’t bear to watch our son fall into permanent paralysis or live in constant pain. Touch him, Father, heal him with Your miracle…”

The wounds of Jesus are lifted up in prayer, hoping for His miracle to touch Rafael in his battle against the looming threat of permanent paralysis. 

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