Dr. Lina Estefania Massique Balane
General Surgery Resident
Malamulo Adventist Hospital
Malawi
Bringing Surgical Care and Hope to Mozambique
Dr. Lina Estefania Massique Balane dreams of a future where patients in Mozambique can receive lifesaving surgical care close to home. She is a first-year General Surgery resident with the Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS) at Malamulo Adventist Hospital in Malawi. Growing up, she witnessed the challenges families faced when surgical care was unavailable. Patients often traveled long distances, experienced delays, and sometimes received treatment too late.
One experience left a lasting impression on Dr. Balane during her time as a medical officer at a hospital in Mozambique. A young patient suffering from intestinal perforation caused by typhoid fever urgently needed surgery. With no surgeon available that night, his operation was delayed until the following day. Tragically, he developed sepsis and did not survive. His story reveals the urgent need for timely surgical care in underserved communities.
Today, through PAACS, Dr. Balane is preparing to help meet that need. Dedicated mentors help her develop surgical skills and confidence. She is also discovering how faith can shape the way she cares for patients. Before PAACS, praying openly with patients was unfamiliar to her. Now, she recognizes each patient encounter as an opportunity to demonstrate God's love.
“Through PAACS, I have learned that surgery is not only a science but also a ministry.”
Dr. Balane saw the importance of faith in patient care when she encountered a woman with advanced cervical cancer. After seeking treatment at several hospitals, the woman arrived too late for surgery. Overwhelmed by her diagnosis, she asked Dr. Balane how much longer she had to live.
Although Dr. Balane could not provide an answer, she offered compassion and encouragement. During their thirty-minute conversation, she spoke about God's presence in suffering and reminded the woman that He remains the giver of life. The patient expressed gratitude for the spiritual support she received. Through this encounter, Dr. Balane saw how faith could bring strength even when surgery could not bring a cure.
As she prepares for her future, Dr. Balane faces the daily challenge of balancing residency with her responsibilities as a wife and mother. She asks for your continued prayers for wisdom and strength.
Dr. Balane has not forgotten the young patient who died before anyone could operate. Today, she is learning to be the surgeon he needed.
PAACS has renewed Dr. Balane’s dream of bringing lifesaving surgical care and the hope of Christ to Mozambique. She hopes to one day help establish a PAACS program where she can train and disciple future Christian surgeons.
Dr. Balane is deeply grateful for your prayers and generosity. Because of you, she is gaining the skills and spiritual foundation to care for patients and share Christ’s love. Your support is an investment not only in her future, but in the countless lives she may touch in the years ahead.
