The Miracle of birth

I was overcome with emotion when Betsy, the mid-wife, said the birth was immanent. That was the reason we traveled half way across the world - to deliver a baby, but it was so wonderful and such a blessing to me to get to be a part of it.

But, I have gotten ahead of myself. The story started back in about May, 2008. A precious missionary couple serving in Zanzibar called my good friend, Betsy, to see if she would be available to come to Zanzibar to deliver their second baby. Betsy had delivered their first child on Jan 1, 2007 in their home in Dublin, TX. But, this would be the first fruits of a ministry God had laid on Betsy's heart some time ago. When she first began the journey of training to become a midwife, Betsy (who grew up on the mission field in Durango, Mexico) felt called by God to be a midwife to missionaries on the field. She has delivered or assisted in over 80 births here in the states, but this would be her first international birth and the fulfillment of a dream.

She knew it would be much easier with an assistant and she asked me if I would consider going with her. Well, after about a nanosecond, I said yes. The parents, Bob and Rachael Gwassa are dear friends of mine also. While Bob was pursuing his bachelors degree in Biblical Counseling via correspondence, I proctored all his exams for him. We had many wonderful hours of discussions about a variety of theological topics,and God really knit our hearts together as brother and sister in Christ. Rachael is the daughter of one of my best friends and I have had the opportunity to share much of life with that family. So to me, it was a no-brainer that I would go.

Betsy and I left from DFW airport on Nov 30. We traveled to Amsterdam, Holland and enjoyed a 12 hour layover in the city. We got to eat Oliebollen bread at a small deli, tour the Rembrandt house, and the Dutch Resistance museum before heading back to the airport for our flight to Nairobi, Kenya. After a 4 hour layover, we traveled to Zanzibar. We had several days to visit with the Gwassas and share their vision for ministering amongst the majority Muslim population of the island for the first several days. Then on Sunday, Dec 7, Rachael went into labor. Wilberforce Ivan Gwassa made his appearance at 7:21 PM weighing in at 7 lbs and 13 oz and 20 1/4 inches long. His parents named him after William Wilberforce, the member of the English Parliament who fought for more than 20 years to end slavery in England. There was an movie made about this man called Amazing Grace. Interestingly enough, I had a copy of that movie in my home. And, for some reason (prompting by the Holy Spirit) I took it with me to give to the Gwassas, not knowing anything about the name they had chosen for their new son. Wow, God is good.

Many dear friends helped make this trip possible with their financial support and the numerous prayers were definitely felt. Thanks to all of you who went with us on this trip with your love and support.

By the way, Betsy already has her second assignment. She will be leaving the states on Feb 5 to fly to Tyre in Lebanon to deliver the baby of another missionary couple. Unfortunately, I don't get to go on this trip. But, I hope God provides opportunities in the future to be a small part of this ministry to young missionary couples having children while on the field.