In 2021, Nelia began her journey with the Mobile Clinic Railaco, stepping in to fill the position vacated by Mana Nivia during her maternity leave. Nelia didn’t expect her tenure to last long, as she anticipated Nivia’s return. However, as Nelia shared, “God’s plan always brings surprises. After a few months of working, when Mana Nivia came back, she stopped for two months, prayed, and asked for God’s guidance—and the happy news came when she received a call from Father Bong, SJ, requesting her to return to work. She felt excited to continue her work at the clinic, which has profoundly impacted her both personally and spiritually. “I feel it has truly transformed my life, especially in my spiritual journey,” Nelia explained.

Nelia’s background in public health initially focused on health promotion and prevention. She was new to patient care, but thanks to Father Bong’s encouragement and training, she and her colleagues received invaluable knowledge in patient treatment. “I didn’t know much about how to treat patients at first, but I’m so grateful to Father Bong, SJ, for providing us the opportunity to attend training sessions to build our expertise,” Nelia reflected.

While her professional skills have grown, Nelia’s personal growth has been just as remarkable. Working at the clinic has brought her closer to God, with her spiritual development being a cornerstone of her experience. “I’ve faced many challenges and problems in my life, but after working here and participating in spiritual retreats with the Jesuit community, I’ve learned how to overcome problems calmly and with faith,” she shared. She credits Father Bong, Father Morreira, and Father Roberto with providing mentorship during difficult moments, offering prayers that help her and the team find strength and solutions.

For Nelia, her work at the Mobile Clinic is not just a job but a blessing. “I feel that working here is a gift from God, both for me and my family,” she said. This opportunity has changed her life in ways she never expected, especially in terms of her connection to God and the sense of purpose she derives from helping others.

Looking ahead, Nelia hopes the clinic can expand its ability to serve local communities, particularly in rural areas. She envisions increasing the number of medical and health personnel so that when the clinic staff goes out to the rural areas, there will be enough people to continue serving the Railaco clinic (which is temporarily closed every time the team is out in the field, making it a challenge to provide consistent care).

“I’m deeply grateful to all the donors for their generosity and support of this clinic,” Nelia states. “Their donations are making a real difference in our work and in the lives of the people we serve.”

Through her work at Mobile Clinic Railaco, Nelia’s life has been transformed in more ways than one. She continues to serve with a heart full of gratitude, faith, and dedication, ever thankful for the opportunities that have come her way.

 By: Iriana Soares (ETR Communications) II Source: Nelia, Mobile Clinic