Due to COVID-19 and its various restrictions, the usual distribution of birthing kits to the Highlands, Momase, and Morobe regions by ELC-PNG Lutheran Health Services (LHS) has been halted over the past two years. Upon the eventual arrival of our personal belongings to Logaweng (via Port Moresby and Lae) the number of packing boxes landing […]

Due to COVID-19 and its various restrictions, the usual distribution of birthing kits to the Highlands, Momase, and Morobe regions by ELC-PNG Lutheran Health Services (LHS) has been halted over the past two years.

Upon the eventual arrival of our personal belongings to Logaweng (via Port Moresby and Lae) the number of packing boxes landing on our doorstep was more than expected. Oh no! What do we do with these? We also have boxes of birthing kits – they were to stay in Lae, we will need to ship them back for distribution. Thankfully we have a beautiful big house with an extra room that they can store in for the time being.

Thinking about the logistics to ship (Senior Flierl Seminary, Logaweng – Maneba Wharf, Finschhafen – Lae Wharf – ELC-PNG National Office, Ampo), additional expense, and probability of some kits being sent back for local region distribution, I felt there must be a better solution. Pondering the thought of this gift of birthing kits being distributed from Finschhafen, a list of questions was surfacing. Who makes the decision? What is the best way to contact them? What are their contact details? Do they understand English? Where will we need to deliver them to? How will we deliver them? Stop the thinking and “just do it”. After a few enquiries and thanks to email, it was possible to acquire contact details and communication avenues with LHS Project Office (Milan), Regional Health Manager (John), Braun Hospital CEO (Dr Hazel), and Braun Hospital Obstetric Unit Manager (Sr Janet).

In Galatians 6:10 we read “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

On two occasions, with honour, excitement, and joy, Murray and I had the privilege of delivering and handing over birthing kits to Braun Memorial Hospital, Butaweng, Finschhafen PNG on behalf of LCA International Mission and LWA.

In closing I will share an email I have since received: “Thank you so much for the kits. We have now started giving them to mothers in the obstetrics wards and they are very very grateful.” – Dr Hazel Kutkue, Braun Hospital CEO

Thank you for the blessings, support, encouragement and hope you bring to the medical staff, communities, and women of PNG through your generous supply of items and time that go towards preparing the birthing kits. God bless.

If you would like to consider the opportunity to join God’s mission through the assembling and donation of Birthing Kits, you are invited to phone Nevin Nitschke on (08) 8267 7300 or email nevin.nitschke@lca.org.au. For more information, go to https://www.lcamission.org.au/join-gods-mission/birthing-kits/

Read more stories about our partner church in Papua New Guinea at https://www.lcamission.org.au/category/stories/international-partners/papua-new-guinea/