A partnership years in the making is now bringing copies of Scripture to families of children undergoing life-changing surgeries in Africa and Asia.

Faith-based organizations CURE International and Biblica have teamed up to distribute more than 87,000 Bibles in over 20 languages to families with children receiving surgery at pediatric hospitals across Africa and the Philippines, The Christian Post reported.

This effort aims to pair medical treatment with spiritual care by offering the families of disabled children both physical healing and the spiritual comfort of the Bible in their languages. The organizations say it is a way to offer hope and support during difficult health journeys.

Medical Care Delivered With Christian Compassion

CURE International operates eight pediatric hospitals across Africa and the Philippines. These facilities specialize in providing no-cost surgical procedures to children with treatable disabilities, such as hydrocephalus and spina bifida.

Since its founding in 1996, CURE has completed more than 330,000 surgeries for children who would otherwise struggle to access care. The hospitals are staffed by 60 surgeons who provide complex operations daily.

Justin Narducci, president and CEO of CURE International, emphasized the group’s dual mission. He said the organization strives to deliver both high-level medical care and impactful ministry within the hospital environment.

Extending Hope Through Scripture and Discipleship

As part of the partnership, the Bibles will be distributed to patients and families as they undergo treatment and prepare to return home. The idea, according to ministry leaders, is to extend the hope of Jesus through God’s word, even after the hospital visit.

Earnest Kioko, CURE's chief ministry officer, said families “go home with a tool” that supports their spiritual growth after receiving both surgery and ministry. He added that thanks to this effort, three out of four families now have Bibles in their "heart language."

The initiative also seeks to connect patients with local pastors and Bible study programs once they are discharged to continue their spiritual development within supportive faith communities.

Logistics and Long-Term Planning Behind the Effort

The launch of the Bible distribution followed years of planning between the two organizations. Geof Morin, president and CEO of Biblica, noted that the work required close collaboration and mutual investment from both ministries.

Shipping, distribution, and coordination costs totaled approximately $500,000. These expenses were funded by CURE International through donations from its supporters.

The two ministries split responsibilities for the larger mission. CURE focused on outreach and delivery to medical sites across continents, while Biblica provided the translated Bibles sourced from its global Scripture efforts.

Confronting Cultural Beliefs With Faith and Healing

Across many areas where CURE works, longstanding spiritual beliefs cast negative views on disabilities. Some communities believe that disabled children are cursed or bewitched—barriers that the faith-based partnership seeks to challenge.

Kioko shared that some mothers arrive at hospitals with charms meant to protect their children. He recalled difficult moments navigating these beliefs while encouraging families to trust in God instead.

“Then now, the reality comes that there is more power than the one that I used to believe,” Kioko said, reflecting on how witnessing successful surgeries without the use of charms often leads to deep spiritual change in both children and their parents.

Ministry and Medicine Interwoven by Mission

The initiative is a strong example of what Narducci describes as the “balance” between physical and spiritual care that CURE has pursued since the beginning. Effective medical care is part of the organization’s spiritual witness, he said.

Morin of Biblica echoed that thought, saying this collaboration depends on partners “serving as the hands and feet of Jesus on the very frontlines of gospel mission.” He expressed hope that the 87,000 Bibles now reaching families would bring peace and comfort in their time of need.

By combining modern healthcare with access to Scripture, the partnership aims to transform not only the physical lives of the children but also the faith journeys of entire families and communities.