Why CBN’s Cleft Lip Operations matter – Winter & Neil’s Story
“I tried to hide her when she was a baby. I tried to always put a blanket across her face, I really regret that now.”
Winter and Neil Johnston from East Sussex have a been partnering with CBN for the last 14 years. CBN holds a very special place in their hearts. In particular the work of Orphan’s Promise and our cleft lip correction surgery.
“It’s very moving for us and to know that you have doctors who give up their time. They go out there and fix children’s faces. It moves me they get their life back.”
These operations are very personal for Winter and Neil as their youngest daughter Bronte was born with a cleft lip.
Winter said, “It was a big shock to us as no one in the family had that before.”
Their lives were shattered as they came face to face with reality.
“It was a denial. How could that happen?” Neil exclaimed, “We had two beautiful babies, two young ladies growing up and then the third one- she was damaged.”
Bronte had her correctional surgery when she was 10 weeks old. Neil and Winter prayed over her continuously and the cleft lip operation was a complete success
“I feel privileged and honoured to be a part of CBN. What I love about CBN is that they meet peoples needs and also give a message – the good news of Jesus.”
Today, Bronte is 23 years old. She is a beautiful girl and works as an interior designer. Winter and Neil regularly watch the 700 Club and love how CBN is making a difference in the lives of children born with cleft lips.
“We have the NHS. In the West, this isn’t an issue. But, there are countries where cleft lips are a terrible problem and families are desperate,” said Winter, “I’ve seen pictures on CBN of little children wandering around with covers over their faces so that people can’t see what they’ve got. It has to be fixed for free because the operation is so expensive.”
Winter and Neil feel fulfilled partnering with CBN because they know that their donations are making a huge impact across the world.
Neil said, “I feel privileged and honoured to be a part of CBN. What I love about CBN is that they meet people’s needs and also give a message – the good news of Jesus. Yes, they provide cleft lip operations, but they also provide hope in Jesus.”
Your gift could go towards helping people all over the UK and Europe, providing vital care, when and where it is needed most.
Become a CBN Partner and you can provide cleft lip operations to children in poverty across the world.
Will you stand up and answer the call?
To find out more about becoming a monthly partner, click here.
