10,000 Babies By Christmas

The medical needs of women and children in Mali are staggering. About 1 out of 15 Malian women dies in pregnancy or childbirth, and 25 percent of the country’s children never see their fifth birthday. In the following adapted excerpt from her recent update, nurse Jessica Schaeffer offers a counterpoint to these sobering stats with some heartwarming news from the Koutiala Hospital for Women and Children.

Safiatou arrived at our hospital in southeastern Mali after traveling from another town to deliver her baby girl last Tuesday. Little Mamou weighed just three and one half pounds. This isn’t unusual, since we deliver a lot of preemies here.

But then it occurred to us—Safiatou’s daughter was the 10,000th baby born at our hospital since its opening in May 2006!

Celebration!

We realized this on Sunday when we had our staff Christmas party, so it worked out well to present Mamou to everyone who attended.

Dr. Dan Nesselroade carried her to our party, just a tiny bundle in his arms. She is so small that someone thought he had brought a rabbit wrapped in cloth!

During the party, Pastor Moise (our hospital chaplain) laid hands on Mamou and prayed for her and all of the babies who have been born through this ministry.

In the midst of the challenges and fatigue that come with a young, growing hospital, we rejoice in everything God has done to help women and children here in Mali.

64 Rebirths

Our medical work allows us to assist with physical births and also to point people to Jesus so they can  experience spiritual rebirth.

We rejoice that 64 individuals have given their lives to Christ through the ministry of the hospital this year. Although it isn’t a large number, it’s more than ever before—34 people found Christ at the hospital in 2011.

Thank you for your part in assisting with the first and second births at the Koutiala Hospital for Women and Children through your encouragement, prayers, and support of the Great Commission Fund. We couldn’t do it without you.

Merry Christmas!

By Jessica Schaeffer, RN, serving at the Koutiala Hospital for Women and Children, Mali

What You Can Do

Pray

Praise God for the safe deliveries of 10,000 babies during the six years Koutiala has provided medical services in southern Mali. Praise Him for the 64 people this year who have decided to follow Jesus; pray that they will grow in their faith.

Use the weekly Alliance Prayer Guide to pray for Alliance workers worldwide who are pointing the way to Christ—the hope of the world.

Give

  • Give to the Great Commission Fund. In doing so, you partner with Alliance workers, like Jessica, to rescue children and adults in their distress and bring Christ’s eternal hope to the lost.
  • Give now

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