The training of the midwives exceded any expectations. All 40 midwives were present over the 4 days, and each received delivery kits consisting of baby blankets, gloves, soap and gauze. The government has now provided cell phones to the midwives in attempts to mobilize local transportation for women in labor, but sadly do not provide latex gloves to them to prevent transmission of HIV/ disease. Many of the women in labor don't make it to the health centers, and do deliver in their homes by these midwives. We requested the director of the health center provide latex gloves to them. So God willing, they will. Christina and I learned many Rwandan words, like " push" and the "baby is coming" but I don't know how to spell them.
The directors of both health centers requested that we come back soon, because there are many more midwives that need training. So please keep that in prayer.
We also had a great opportunity to pray with the midwives, and tell them that we were here because we are servants of the Lord and we came to show them Christ's love. The midwives would break out in song when the day came to an end. A song that wished us " God's blessings" and that we would " come back soon."
I thank God that everything went pretty much as planned, and I pray that the training will be effective, both spiritually and physically. God Bless, Lisa
From the Pastoral Training
The week ended very strong. As expected, the issue centered books of 1 and 2 Corinthians provoked a firestorm of questions for Tom, who did an excellent job fielding them I am sure it felt like to him that he was riding a bucking bronco and we pretty tired be the end of Thursday. He is headed out to Masaka, tomorrow, Sunday, to preach. Should be a great day.
Friday finally saw the arrival of the shorter books with Galatians being first up. It was great to spend the whole day going verse by verse with the Pastors. They gleaned a lot of new background information as well as depth of understanding, which was a joy to see. God has been good.
Today, Frank Reynolds and David Smith arrived, and just like all of the rest of us, they were pretty tuckered out. Tomorrow they will be off to the church in Kimirunko for worship. I think they are still discussing who will get to preach and who will have to do the dancing. On Monday, David will launch out with Colossians. Should be a great week for them both.
Blessings. And thanks for the prayers!
Neal
Greetings all! We are enjoying following along on your journey and hearing how God is blessing your efforts. Lisa, I am so happy to hear that the midwife training has been successful. I am sure God used you and Christina in powerful ways to not only educate these women, but to share God's love and hope. Thank you all for your servant hearts, for reaching out to our beautiful African brothers and sisters with such compassion and eagerness to teach, preach, and exemplify the ministry of Jesus Christ. We are continuing to lift you up in prayer through the days and weeks ahead.
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