“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).
This scripture verse is becoming a reality in my life through Lilly Santhosh. When I started dialysis in June, the doctors advised me to go in for a transplant as soon as possible before my health deteriorated further. Three of our brothers from Jesus Youth offered to donate their kidneys, but unfortunately, two of them were rejected because of their own health challenges. Then, Lilly reached out to me through a mutual friend, which surprised me. Although I have known her since 1996, when she took full-time commitment for the Nurses’ ministry, we never had many opportunities to interact. Lilly’s husband, Santhosh, is a good friend of mine, but our paths had not crossed often.
When Lilly approached me, a third person was undergoing tests, and the results looked very positive. When I asked her why she was making this offer, she explained that Jesus persuaded her to do so. During an adoration session, she experienced this thought for the first time. Initially, she dismissed it as an emotional impulse, but over time, it grew stronger, and she couldn’t sleep for several days. Lilly went through several rounds of discernment before ultimately deciding to share her thoughts with Santhosh. He was shocked but took a few days to pray about it. Eventually, he felt convinced – If the Lord had asked Lilly to take this step, who was he to stand in her way? Both Lilly and Santhosh continued their discernment process, seeking permission from Lilly’s siblings, who expressed their pride in her decision. As a final step in her discernment, Lilly underwent all the preliminary tests at the Government Medical College, where she works as the head nurse. To her surprise, all the results came back normal.
She then consulted one of the new senior doctors at the hospital for feedback. When he asked her why she had undergone all these tests, she explained that it was part of her decision-making process for donating her kidney. Despite being a non-Catholic, the doctor unexpectedly asked her, “Sister, are you a Jesus Youth?” We started the cross matching tests with Lilly a few weeks back when the third person was also ruled out because of some health challenges.
I believe it was His will for me to go through this phase of pain and suffering. I understand that He prompted Lilly to make this selfless offer, just as He has done for each of us. I am also grateful for five more people from our movement who approached me, expressing their willingness to donate a kidney after we began the cross-matching tests with Lilly. I feel incredibly blessed to be surrounded by such loving brothers and sisters in our movement.
The legal procedures have concluded, and the transplant surgery is scheduled for November 27th. I will get admitted in Rajagiri Hospital by the 20th and Lilly on the 25th. Requesting your valuable prayers for both of us.
Manoj Sunny – Jesus Youth
Assuring our prayers
