“Ouch… it hurts so much… I wonder when I’ll finally get better.”

In the past, Uncle Chee (pseudonym) often said this.

Weak and frail, Uncle Chee suffered from prostatitis, and his legs were often swollen and painful. The various physical discomforts consumed much of his daily life, making it difficult for him to work normally or earn a stable income. Each day, besides the constant pain, he was also weighed down by a deep sense of helplessness about the future. Over time, his world gradually became smaller. Not only was his movement restricted, even his hopes and imagination for the future were slowly diminished.

Introverted by nature, Uncle Chee rarely interacted with others and was often quiet and withdrawn. Even when people came to visit and care for him, the conversation eventually would return to the same topic — his illness, his pain, and his worries.

Volunteers from the 7979 Holistic Care Station of Adonai Centre AG, Kuantan first entered Uncle Chee’s life through the distribution of 7979 Manna Food Bank food bags. These supplies were not merely food and daily necessities; through the companionship of the volunteers, they also became a source of support that reminded him he did not have to face life alone.

The volunteers visited him time and again, accompanying him on walks and helping him gradually reconnect with people. At first, he remained quiet and focused only on his illness. But over time, small changes slowly began to appear. He gradually stopped repeatedly talking about his pain and began sharing little things about his daily life instead. He also slowly learned to listen to others and respond to them.

To the volunteers, these changes meant a great deal.

“It wasn’t that his illness had suddenly disappeared, but rather that his heart was no longer bound by it.”

Today, he still experiences physical discomfort, but he no longer spends his days constantly dwelling on his pain and worries. He has also started stepping back into the community, participating in church activities, joyful smiles can now be seen on his face.