The Midwife

This Javanese woman has worked as a midwife or bidan in her community for the past 13 years. She mentioned that one of the challenges of her job is working with the shaman or dukun in the area. Many people still prefer to use these occult healers rather than using the midwife. Most dukun come equipped with a pair of scissors and that is it. If there are any complications for the baby or mother, the dukun are not able to help much.

The bidan in the community are trying to befriend the dukun and help teach them how they can better help in emergency situations during delivery. The process is slow, but for the sake of the women in the community the bidan are committed to continue befriending and training the dukun.

This is a beautiful picture of what believers ought to be doing. We need to befriend those of other beliefs and patiently teach them of a better way to be born again!

Pray for the health and safety of women giving birth in the area where this bidan works.

Pray for the dukun to be willing to be taught by the bidan.

Pray for believers to be willing to undertake the long and often frustrating process of befriending those who have different beliefs in the hopes of helping them to find new life in Christ.

Pray for God to prepare the hearts of people among the UPGs of Sumatra to hear and receive the Gospel.