"For Such a Time as This"

I finished the midwifery program that I have been attending for the past three months! It has been an intense time of studying and living in community with aspiring midwives from various backgrounds. Over the past twelve weeks of study, I experienced a new depth of compassion from the heart of the Lord toward women and their newborns, particularly those who are living and giving birth in compromised situations. The World Health Organization identifies that 99% of maternal mortality occurs in the developing world and that about 4 million newborns die in the first 4 weeks of life, both primarily from preventable causes.

On that note, Mercy in Action has invited me to join them as a volunteer nurse at their birthing center in Olongapo, Philippines. I will be trained to assist in their service and outreach to the mothers and children living in poverty and extreme vulnerability. I am not certain what this will actually look like, but I have a deep sense of peace and purpose that the Lord is leading me this direction and has orchestrated this opportunity to come along side the people I have come to deeply admire, respect and love.

I was originally going to leave in January and be there for a year. However, Typhoon Yolanda has wrecked havoc in the Philippine nation, displacing millions of people including approximately 235,000 pregnant women and 130,00 nursing mothers according to the United Nations. The UNFPA reports that the disaster area is currently experiencing between 750-900 births a day, many of which are premature and occurring in make shift facilities at best. Mercy In Action has prayerfully decided to respond to the crisis in Tacloban by setting up and staffing a tent birth center to give women a safe place to birth their babies. They asked me to consider departing as soon as possible and join their team in this response.

I prayerfully considered this request and have a clear sense and anticipation that I am here for “such a time as this”. I am flying out November 30^th and plan to be there for a year, as the Lord leads. I know this is a serious and urgent need and haven’t made this decision lightly. I invite you to join me in the journey with continued prayer and support as I step forward in faith and move to the Philippines, especially on such short notice. 

I can’t express how thankful I am for your prayers, friendship and support; I would not be here or be able to move forward without you. I will be sending out updates as I can. 

This is a video capturing the essence of Mercy in Action.

Labor of Love from Join the Lights on Vimeo.