In Alma 37:6-7 we read, “…by small and simple things are great things brought to pass…and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls.” Nowhere is the concept more clearly illustrated than in the story of Napoleon Dzombe in The Blessings Hospital Miracle.

Napoleon Dzombe was a humble man, who from childhood was aware of the plight of those around him, including his own family. Malawi, Africa is plagued by draught, starvation and AIDS. With two years left to complete his schooling, Napoleon dropped out to help his family. He was always a dreamer and had many ideas on how to grow better crops and help his people. He created several programs including an agricultural incentives program to help local farmers, found ways to get food from aid organizations and built a hospital to help provide health care for his people. He always believed that one man can make a difference and the abundant fruits of his labor prove it.

During the drought of 2001-2002, which was one of the worst Malawi had ever seen, Napoleon’s efforts saved more than 20,000 people. He has helped more that 35,000 farmers with his incentive program, giving them clothing for following his agricultural principles. He found ways to help them use their fields productively during the dry season. More than 40,000 patients have been treated at Blessings Hospital and it now supplies 56 other medical facilities in Malawi. Because of this one man, 33,000 orphans are receiving Vitameals and will have shelter in a village that he is building.

Filmmaker Martin Andersen went to Malawi, Africa along with Director of Photography TC Christensen to put this remarkable story on film. Add to that the music of Sam Cardon, and the inspiring portrayal of this remarkable man brings tears to your eyes. In the “making of” special feature, the filmmakers share some of the trials and touching experiences they had on location too.

As I watched this film, sitting in my air conditioned living room, with food filling my cabinets and refrigerator, I noted the differences in his circumstances and mine. If this man who started with so little can accomplish so much, what can I (who has been blessed with so much) do? Who can I help today? What difference can I make? What can you do?

To see the film for yourself, click here for the DVD.

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 15th, 2010 at 12:43 pm and is filed under Movies. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.