The Clinic
In a village that opposes Christianity, ReachGlobal national partners operate a clinic. One national worker, Ruth, serves as the official midwife of the village.
How God answered Ruth’s prayer
Ruth visited a woman Naomi who was nearing her ninth month of pregnancy to check on both mother and the unborn child. Both were in good health but the mother’s water had broken far too early which prompted Ruth to refer Naomi to the clinic.
During the two days that Naomi stayed there Ruth, Dr. Gordon and Jay, the other health staff, had numerous opportunities to witness to Naomi and her family. There was no change in Naomi’s condition and all three health staff continued praying and seeking wisdom on the best way to handle the pregnancy. Naomi was referred to a hospital forty minutes away.
Finally, the family was persuaded by Ruth to bring Naomi to the hospital. After ten hours of further medical procedures in the hospital there was still no sign of change for the better. The hospital staff told Naomi’s family that they would need to take her to the general hospital in the city which was two hours away.
Ruth was contacted via phone with the hope that she might be able to persuade the hospital to let Naomi stay. But Ruth’s response was similar to the medical staff. Naomi needed to go to the city. Suddenly one of the family members got hold of the phone and started insulting and threatening Ruth.
Naomi’s family took her out of the hospital which shocked the staff and Ruth. Ruth had mixed emotions. She was saddened, disappointed and fearful over the threats that were made over the phone. Ruth prayed that the Lord would strengthen her and grant her patience to continue to care for Naomi and her family. Ruth also prayed that the Lord would bless whatever course of action the family took and both mother and baby would be well.
The next day Ruth asked the villagers about Naomi. After finding out that she had gone to a private maternity clinic for delivery, Ruth went to visit her. Naomi’s family was surprised to see Ruth and apologized to her for what had happened over the phone. They also asked Ruth to continue seeing Naomi and the baby once they were discharged.
Naomi’s family said that they went to the private maternity clinic in town instead of the general hospital in the city hoping to find a doctor there. No sooner had Naomi stepped in the clinic than the doctor who was supposed to be out of town arrived back home. It appeared that he had decided to cut short his leave and returned home. The clinic staff contacted him and he went over to the clinic and performed a cesarean immediately.
Ruth was thrilled to know that the Lord had answered her prayer.
Praise and pray
- Praise God that the medical staff continues to glorify God in the surrounding communities and is able to share the goseple through one-on-one relationships.
- Pray that the medical staff has wisdom as it diagnoses and treats ailments.
- Pray that another nurse and doctor will join the medical staff in the clinic.
