There are many things that I want to share with you about happenings during this week. Let me start with the youngest and latest news: a birth!
The birth of the baby of one of the believers seems so symbolic of the birth of this new body of believers! Swarthand has helped us built our house and was Francois’s first language helper. He has also been restless, taking and divorcing many wives before coming to Christ. He still struggles at times, but we see a marked difference in his life. His wife, Lois is coming this year to the Bible teaching in our village. She has been very faithful in coming – despite being so obviously pregnant this last 6 weeks!
This was our third time, for being there when she lost their unborn baby, again there a year later when next one was born, has forged a strong friendship between us.
So, yesterday when it was time for the their next baby’s birth, she wanted me again to be there. What a privilege to be at the birth of one of the first babies born to a believer!! Lois seems to always wait until the last minute before she seeks help, so (like before) we arrived at the local two-room clinic in a mad rush! The midwife was off getting her supper… So, nothing remained but to coach and encourage and help bring the baby into this world! The male nurse was appearing and disappearing nervously in the doorway, directing me –sometimes – what to do next! (It is taboo for a man to be present during a birth).
What a chaotic, wonderful, amazing miracle: birth! I got to catch the little one and cut the cord. Another son! Afterwards I went home and could tell Swarthand the good news: he is thrilled to have a third son… (He fancy himself Jacob, aiming for 12 sons, he teases :). His wife is a little less enthusiastic, since girls help to relief the daily grind of a Mwinika woman). Still, the baby is beautiful, perfect! There was a moment during the birth that I nearly panicked: the cord was drawn close around his neck and he looked very blue. Praise God though, I could unwind the cord and his face soon flooded pink, crying healthily!
Holding this little one as he opened his eyes for the first time, I prayed: Lord, may he know and love you his whole life long!
Photos: 1. Swarthand with his two older sons; 2. The new baby!; 3. The roof of their house: Swarthand bought the land just behind our house and was still building when the baby arrived… They sleep tonight in a house with only half the roof done!; 4. Swarthand desperately plating palm leaves to make a temporary covering for the roof; 5. Lois with their two youngest sons. I am concerned: she is way too skinny.
