Texas mother trusts God with conjoined twins' separation surgery: 'He's done everything for a reason'

Formerly conjoined twins Knatalye Hope and Adeline Faith Mata are doing well after undergoing separation surgery last week. 

The 10-month-old girls were fused from the ribcage to the pelvis, and shared a liver, lungs, colon, and other organs. 

Parents Eric and Elysse found out that separating their daughters was possible after doctors discovered they have separate hearts. Initially, though, the Matas said doctors suggested abortion. 

"I told him, 'I don't care what the case is, I'm going to go as long as I can, and if God decides that he needs them more, then so be it,'" Elysse recounted

Although the separation surgery was risky, the parents believed it was in the best interest of the babies. 

"I want to give them a shot at a normal life as much as possible," Elysse said. "I feel like they've come this far, why hold back? Why not follow through? Why not give them that chance?"

The operation was conducted at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston - the same hospital where the twins were born nine weeks premature in April 2014.

"Separating conjoined twins is a very complicated task and there are lots of risks involved, and death is absolutely one of those risks," Dr Darrell Cass, the leader of the twins' surgical team admitted. 

Elysse, although nervous, continued to put her daughters' fate in God's hands. 

"I just don't want to lose them, and I know there's that risk," she shared. "But I have this peace of mind, this faith in God that He's done everything for a reason and that He's got control of it, and I feel like He's going to bring them through it."

The 23-hour surgery was successful with few complications, and both girls are awake and recovering well in the hospital. 

News
CoE's interfaith bishop welcomes decision to bar Kanye West from Britain
CoE's interfaith bishop welcomes decision to bar Kanye West from Britain

The Bishop of Willesden said that cultural expression must "not amplify fear or legitimise prejudice".

Indian Supreme Court ruling could deprive 'untouchable' Christians of protections
Indian Supreme Court ruling could deprive 'untouchable' Christians of protections

An Indian Supreme Court ruling could deprive Christian converts from among the lowest castes access to affirmative action programmes and other benefits.

Trying to increase attendance is biggest challenge for church leaders
Trying to increase attendance is biggest challenge for church leaders

Other concerns including improving discipleship and engaging younger generations.

Christians demand Lebanon be included in ceasefire
Christians demand Lebanon be included in ceasefire

The exact terms of the ceasefire are unclear and disputed.