May 2014 Highlights: Idaho Gives Day / Philippines

Thanks to our Open House on May 1, and Idaho Gives Day, you gave what we needed to send a 40-foot container of medical supplies to two birthing centers in the Philippines. Thanks to everyone who gave generously, including the $3,000 matching grant donors, and the two Philippine groups that cooked delicious food for the Open House. Praise God! You helped us raise $11,000 – which turns out to be enough to send the shipment! We’ll soon have news of a shipment date.

Imagine giving birth on a dirt floor, vacant lot, or city street. Many impoverished women live like this in metro Manila in the Philippines. They have no access to clean running water, sanitation, or a nutritious diet, and have limited access to medical facilities. Thanks to Shalom Christian Birthing Home, and Shiphrah Birthing Home, expectant moms can receive dignified maternity services, and deliver their babies in a safe and sanitary environment. In a community where 30% of girls become pregnant by age 21—some as early as 12—it’s critical they receive the appropriate medical and spiritual care. Local churches work with the Shalom staff to help disciple these young moms, and often witness spiritual births along with the physical births.