Caring for Mothers and Babies

Miluia is a young mother who knows the significance of going without healthcare and any medical interventions during pregnancy. While pregnant with her second daughter, Miluia and her husband, Joel, could barely make ends meet as conditions in Venezuela deteriorated. They were already living without electricity and couldn’t afford prenatal care while still having enough money for food.

This was a season of fear, stress, and uncertainty. She felt inadequate as a mother. Thankfully, she delivered her baby without complications, but she never wanted to walk through another pregnancy alone or without the expertise of a medical team.

When Miluia found out she was expecting her third child, she was compelled to do everything to make sure she had a healthy pregnancy. When Miluia and Joel heard about a Samaritan’s Purse clinic a few miles from the border in Puerto Santander, Colombia, they were hopeful. The two-hour trip to the clinic on buses and moto-taxis was uncomfortable and tiring, but the journey was worth having the support of dedicated medical professionals.

A PLACE OF REFUGE

A majority of the women we treat at the clinic are Venezuelans who’ve fled their homeland in recent years and are trying to start a new life. Others, like Miluia, remain in Venezuela and are making the trip across the border to find help not otherwise available.

Our clinic is providing maternal care such as ultrasounds, prenatal vitamins, nutritional supplements, and baby care items free of charge. In addition to one-on-one consultations, we offer classes that educate expectant mothers on the stages of pregnancy, lactation, nutrition, and other practical tips. We are filling a gap and helping assure mothers they are doing everything they can to provide for their children.

“That’s why we made the sacrifice to come here. This organisation has given us the best—I don’t even have words to explain it,” Miluia said.

Miluia was diagnosed with gestational diabetes during month seven of her pregnancy. To her surprise and relief, Samaritan’s Purse provided the medication necessary to maintain a healthy pregnancy. She was overwhelmed with joy to have a medical team walking with her every step of the way.

“As a mother, you always worry about these kinds of things. I was really happy to know that I was receiving this care and service. I’m deeply grateful,” she said.

A TESTIMONY OF LOVE

Miluia received medical care and guidance during each clinic visit, and she and Joel also heard the Good News of Jesus Christ. Over time, they started recognising God’s love and became curious about the Gospel. They often met with the Samaritan’s Purse chaplain while at the clinic and asked questions about God. Joel described each visit to our facility as a “seed sown in their hearts for the Gospel.”

Miluia and Joel brought their newborn, Lucas, to the clinic for his first checkup. As they celebrated a healthy baby and rejoiced with our team, they realised that their son was a testimony of God’s love for them. On this special day, our chaplain prayed for them with Lucas in their arms, and Miluia and Joel made the decision to receive Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.

“The most important thing that I learned was about God’s love—that it overcomes. It’s greater than anything that exists in the world, and we saw that through the Samaritan’s Purse service and care for us,” Miluia said.

Their son’s name means “light,” and his life has certainly brought the light of Christ into his parents’ hearts and home.

“We will be able to raise Lucas in God’s love. This is the most important thing for us now. We see that there is nothing impossible for God.”