Every mother who crosses the threshold of our partner clinic for moms and babies in northern Africa has a story to share. Most are fraught with heartache:
Fiza* was living in an unfurnished room with her two sons…
Ivana* witnessed the death of her brother…
Yara’s* husband decided to leave her while she was pregnant with their child…
But these brave moms did not give up. They kept living and doing whatever they had to for their children. Many left their homes, traveling hundreds of kilometers in search of a better life. Through your prayers and support, God began to weave a thread of hope into their stories when these moms came to the clinic:
Fiza received food, pillows, blankets, clothes, cooking utensils, and financial support until she was able to find work.
Ivana was provided with support for her trauma, medical attention for her two-year-old daughter, as well as food.
Yara’s youngest daughter was provided medical assistance and food, and Yara was also referred to be enrolled in courses to help develop her job skills and find work.
In a place where opportunities to share the Gospel are often restricted, clinic staff do everything they can to share God’s love safely, including praying for patients.
“We try to portray Christ in us to the people of different faiths who receive our support,” said our partner who operates the clinic. “We tell the moms that they are not forgotten.”
Every year, hundreds of mothers from all walks of life and many countries rely on the clinic’s services.
Many are refugees and asylum seekers. Some are unrecognized persons without any legal papers. They all knock on the clinic’s door for help and support, and the challenges they face have been magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We anticipate an increase in malnutrition in the coming months,” said our partner. “That also means more psychological support for mothers.”
Three-year-old Layla* was diagnosed with malnutrition at the clinic, including a severe calcium deficiency, causing her legs to bow. Praise God, after four months of treatment and follow-up, she gained weight, and her legs improved.
Meanwhile, Eden*—jobless and homeless—arrived at the clinic with her two sons. Her three-year-old has a disability and needed medical attention, which he received promptly from the clinic staff, along with food for the family.
They were also provided with clothing, blankets, and a referral for rent assistance and courses that Eden can take to help her find work.
Nylah* had been sexually assaulted, then kicked out of her home by her husband. Homeless with her little one, she came to the clinic in desperate need. She was given food and connected with a women’s support group for trauma healing. Through clinic referrals, she received rent help and was given the opportunity to be trained in cleaning services so she can find a job.
Just like in the book of Genesis, when God reached out to Hagar in her distress, He pours out compassion on these afflicted mothers too. “So [Hagar] called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me” (Genesis 16:13, ESV).
We praise God for His provision through donors like you. In the words of one clinic staff member: “Pray that God will multiply the five loaves and two fish that we all have in our hands. The need is much higher than what we can provide, but in Him, nothing is impossible.”
*Names changed to protect privacy
The hardships women in the developing world face often leave them without hope. Through your generous gifts, Samaritan's Purse is working to restore the hope of women through programs aimed at increasing literacy, providing maternal health care, teaching livelihood skills, and stopping trafficking and prostitution.