Shalom Christian Birthing Home presented us with an exciting opportunity to support Action International Ministries in their work among the neglected poor of the Philippines.  This “maternity unit”, as we would call it, has been operating since 1986 when Mavis Orton left England for Manila.  
Mavis’s connection and friendships with the Wesleyan Reform Union began quite some time ago when she was invited to a house party organised by Lois Brookes at her home in Sheffield which was attended by Mavis, who at that time was a shy young midwife, and Marilyn Leeson, our retiring Women of Action President.  Marilyn and Mavis became firm friends and when Mavis responded to God’s call to work for Him overseas, the friendship continued and has even grown stronger.

 The ministry of the birthing home has grown over the years from 12 births a month in 1994 up to 100+ each month in 2003.  Already it is anticipated that there will be well in excess of 900 births in 2004 and so more space is desperately needed.

In Manila, the poor do not have the finance to go to hospital to give birth and the Shalom Birthing Home provides a much safer alternative than their own homes.  The clinic provides hands on training for local midwifery graduates and together, missionaries and trainees provide check ups, facilities and equipment for safe deliveries.  It is sometimes necessary to refer mothers to nearby hospitals, but many very difficult births have been successfully accomplished at the home.

In addition to prenatal, delivery and post natal care, Filipino midwives and missionaries work together with members of six local churches who share Bible Studies with waiting patients at three clinics each week!  Now there’s a thought!!!!!!

 Feeding programmes and Bible Studies continue in several areas where patients live. Mavis and her team go out on their “rounds” regularly to visit those people who need continued support and care after the birth of their babies.

 They now are in major need of more space.  This will enable them to hold seminars for patient and midwife training, to teach nutrition, pre-natal care and parenting skills as well as providing spiritual food for the new mums and their families.  The property that is to be purchased will even provide room for some living quarters for midwives and short term missionaries.  But there is a cost.  And it is great!  However the Lord is good and Mavis and her team are trusting Him to provide the resources to purchase and renovate an enlarged “Shalom Christian Birthing Home”.

 It was our privilege to set a target of £9,000 as our contribution to this work.  The cost of the purchase and renovation had been worked out at £62 per square metre.  This made it much more manageable and gave many smaller groups the opportunity to “buy a metre” and share the vision. 

Mavis is known as the “Angel of Mercy” in the area of Manila where she is working.  Weary faces brighten and children come running when she visits.  She is well known and much loved by those who live in the desolate barrios of Manila.  At a service at our Hucknall Church we were told, ”Mavis has delivered babies of some of our family in Manila.  Everyone loves her.  She is always talking about Jesus.”