Our Stories
Spreading Jesus' Love in Vietnam
Sometimes, Christians can feel at a loss as to how their careers can link in with God's mission to bring all to know Jesus. Let Judith's story inspire you.
Judith is a member of our congregation, and spent her career in nursing and midwifery. Now retired, Judith has felt for a long time a passion to serve women in Sapa, a remote hilltribe village in Vietnam. The people in Sapa are subsistence farmers, who grow only one crop of rice per year, which is enough to feed their family if the harvest is good. Judith has recently returned from a two month visit to work with these women and connect with the mission God has put on her heart.
Judith is passionate about teaching women in Sapa some of the knowledge and skills she gained from her career in nursing and midwifery. Safe pregnancy and birthing are key parts of Judith's professional knowledge, and fill a huge need for the women in Sapa. They are hungry to know how their bodies work, how to birth well, and what happens when their bodies go through menopause. Judith runs informal sessions with these women where they can laugh together, share stories, and learn. Sitting in the village doing handcraft brings curious women into their circle, so more can enter the discussion. The people are open to the Word of God, and there are now many small Christian churches in the area. Conversations can now be in the open, and it is Judith's desire for the girls and women to respond to the love of Jesus when they see the wonders that He does, and can do.
This trip, Judith was also able to provide some practical goods for the women. Judith and her companion Lorraine were able to deliver 160 Days for Girls kits to help women with their menstrual health. She also spent time in Sapa putting together birth packs, which contained baby wraps, cardigans, hats, nappies, soap, washers, and infant resuscitation kits.
Judith's time spent in Vietnam helps decrease unnecessary mortality caused by lack of knowledge, support and tools. Equipping women in safe birthing is a fundamental skill for village life, and her mission is literally saving lives. For Judith, it's also about faith. A gentle heart, loving kindness, a Bible verse and a willingness to 'step out of the boat' is all God asks. He will do the rest.
If you are interested in learning more about Judith's trips to Vietnam, she would be more than happy to chat to you after the service on a Sunday.
Judith is a member of our congregation, and spent her career in nursing and midwifery. Now retired, Judith has felt for a long time a passion to serve women in Sapa, a remote hilltribe village in Vietnam. The people in Sapa are subsistence farmers, who grow only one crop of rice per year, which is enough to feed their family if the harvest is good. Judith has recently returned from a two month visit to work with these women and connect with the mission God has put on her heart.
Judith is passionate about teaching women in Sapa some of the knowledge and skills she gained from her career in nursing and midwifery. Safe pregnancy and birthing are key parts of Judith's professional knowledge, and fill a huge need for the women in Sapa. They are hungry to know how their bodies work, how to birth well, and what happens when their bodies go through menopause. Judith runs informal sessions with these women where they can laugh together, share stories, and learn. Sitting in the village doing handcraft brings curious women into their circle, so more can enter the discussion. The people are open to the Word of God, and there are now many small Christian churches in the area. Conversations can now be in the open, and it is Judith's desire for the girls and women to respond to the love of Jesus when they see the wonders that He does, and can do.
This trip, Judith was also able to provide some practical goods for the women. Judith and her companion Lorraine were able to deliver 160 Days for Girls kits to help women with their menstrual health. She also spent time in Sapa putting together birth packs, which contained baby wraps, cardigans, hats, nappies, soap, washers, and infant resuscitation kits.
Judith's time spent in Vietnam helps decrease unnecessary mortality caused by lack of knowledge, support and tools. Equipping women in safe birthing is a fundamental skill for village life, and her mission is literally saving lives. For Judith, it's also about faith. A gentle heart, loving kindness, a Bible verse and a willingness to 'step out of the boat' is all God asks. He will do the rest.
If you are interested in learning more about Judith's trips to Vietnam, she would be more than happy to chat to you after the service on a Sunday.
Posted in Our Stories