Our Stories
Judith Shaw
Judith Shaw tells us about her mission to the communities in Vietnam and the H’mong women.
'As a new Christian at 30 years old, a single mother of three girls, and unskilled, I wondered what God had in store for me after I had a vision of steep green mountains with a river in the valley. He knew the answer, and I just had to follow his prompting. I excelled in discipleship and mentoring, and after training as a Registered Nurse in New Zealand, I relocated to Brisbane in June 1996. During my time there, I acquired various new nursing skills, never anticipating that they would be put to such practical use. In 1997, during my first visit to Vietnam, I developed a deep affection for the country. During my second visit in 2000, I felt a strong sense of guidance from God towards Sapa, located in northwestern Vietnam. In 2001, I spent three months in Sapa despite the potential dangers of being in a Communist country. I firmly believe that God had led me to this place, which He had shown me in 1986. My admiration for H'mong women and children has remained unwavering, even though I did not make a return visit until October 2018.
In the intervening years, I trained as a Midwife (also God-led) and worked in Vunapope, East New Britain of PNG, for three years as a nursing tutor. This also gave me good skills. You learn much more than you teach when you are in a different culture. I will never forget the H'mong women. I visit Sapa regularly to educate the women and girls about their bodies, distribute Days for Girls Kits, provide education on safe pregnancy and birthing, and supply birth packs for cleaner and safer birthing. I also educate them on general hygiene and all areas of health. I organise a visit with a local woman to her village, which can take 1– 2 hours by motorbike on rough roads/tracks loaded with educational tools. I work with some good English-speaking H'mong women who translate for me. They enjoy this work as they become advocates for education, too, teaching their women independently.
This year, I specifically worked through two churches in different areas where I could freely speak on spiritual teachings. Community involvement is essential. They see my commitment to them. Sometimes, it may not be the most “comfortable” job, and I wonder why God chose me! He may and probably will choose you for a specific task. He provides for whatever it is in extraordinary ways, for which I am forever grateful. I must admit that I do have Satan whispering in my ear, trying to bring doubts and fears. I have become aware of this and stand firm on the Word of God to change what could be negative into positive. Prayer support is invaluable. Thank you to all who commit to this and those who are stepping out for Jesus.'
'As a new Christian at 30 years old, a single mother of three girls, and unskilled, I wondered what God had in store for me after I had a vision of steep green mountains with a river in the valley. He knew the answer, and I just had to follow his prompting. I excelled in discipleship and mentoring, and after training as a Registered Nurse in New Zealand, I relocated to Brisbane in June 1996. During my time there, I acquired various new nursing skills, never anticipating that they would be put to such practical use. In 1997, during my first visit to Vietnam, I developed a deep affection for the country. During my second visit in 2000, I felt a strong sense of guidance from God towards Sapa, located in northwestern Vietnam. In 2001, I spent three months in Sapa despite the potential dangers of being in a Communist country. I firmly believe that God had led me to this place, which He had shown me in 1986. My admiration for H'mong women and children has remained unwavering, even though I did not make a return visit until October 2018.
In the intervening years, I trained as a Midwife (also God-led) and worked in Vunapope, East New Britain of PNG, for three years as a nursing tutor. This also gave me good skills. You learn much more than you teach when you are in a different culture. I will never forget the H'mong women. I visit Sapa regularly to educate the women and girls about their bodies, distribute Days for Girls Kits, provide education on safe pregnancy and birthing, and supply birth packs for cleaner and safer birthing. I also educate them on general hygiene and all areas of health. I organise a visit with a local woman to her village, which can take 1– 2 hours by motorbike on rough roads/tracks loaded with educational tools. I work with some good English-speaking H'mong women who translate for me. They enjoy this work as they become advocates for education, too, teaching their women independently.
This year, I specifically worked through two churches in different areas where I could freely speak on spiritual teachings. Community involvement is essential. They see my commitment to them. Sometimes, it may not be the most “comfortable” job, and I wonder why God chose me! He may and probably will choose you for a specific task. He provides for whatever it is in extraordinary ways, for which I am forever grateful. I must admit that I do have Satan whispering in my ear, trying to bring doubts and fears. I have become aware of this and stand firm on the Word of God to change what could be negative into positive. Prayer support is invaluable. Thank you to all who commit to this and those who are stepping out for Jesus.'