Tweet

Loida is expecting her fourth child.

Loida’s first three children were born in her home in Hilltop Pakak, a community nestled in the rolling hills of Kalinga province in the northern Philippines. Loida’s last child was the only one born with the assistance of a midwife.

However, over the past two years a friendship has developed between Loida and the staff and volunteers of a nearby maternity clinic that is supported by Samaritan's Purse. Loida has decided that she will deliver her next child at the maternity clinic.

Traditionally, women in communities like Pakak deliver their children at home with no assistance from a skilled birth attendant, so Loida’s decision is an encouraging change of heart for Georgia, the centre’s founder. 

“Women try to be as clean as possible and they know to boil the scissors to sterilize them before cutting the umbilical cord”, says Georgia, “but it is better for the health of both the mother and the baby to have a midwife who is trained to recognize complications and assist with the birth.”

The maternity clinic offers free prenatal, delivery, and post-natal services and includes community outreach activities that bring several staff members to surrounding communities, including Pakak, on a monthly circuit to conduct prenatal exams, teach basic health lessons, share a devotional message, and pray with the women.

One reason that the maternity clinic has been so well received in Pakak is its close alliance with the only church in the village. It is encouraging to hear the warm welcome that Pastor Ernesto has extended to the maternity centre and the strong relationship that has developed with this community as a result. The warm smiles and friendly greetings that are extended to the midwives as they make their rounds through the community are evidence of the bond of friendship and trust that has been forged.

Georgia hopes that relationships can be strengthened with churches in other communities in which the clinic works as well. In one area, they were asked to join a church outreach program to supplement the evangelistic message shared by the church with health teaching and prenatal exams. The clinic’s staff are excited at the possibilities.

“We want to be available as a tool for the church to use,” Georgia says.

Back to last page

Ways You Can Help
Pray Please pray that God will continue to provide direction to Samaritan’s Purse, as we respond to people’s needs, share the love of Christ, and serve the church worldwide.		Give Partner with us in our mission to bring spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Donate Here.