Reflections on a Rural Birth
2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Luke 2:1-7
Imagine you’re ready to give birth, the nearest hospital is 25 miles away, and the only way to get there is by ox cart or bicycle. Mothers in Zambia, Africa, need no imagination in such a situation. This is the reality in Siavonga, a remote community three and a half hours from the capital city Lusaka.
When you strip away all the garland, glitz and gifts, Christmas is about a simple birth by a poor transient Mother in an unsanitary animal pen. From this utterly humble beginning comes all our Hope. One way you can thank Jesus on His birthday is by giving hope and health to the many mothers who deliver their babies in difficult circumstances today.
This year, thanks to gifts given through The Outreach Foundation, the Namumu Orphanage Centre in Siavonga dedicated a new medical clinic and outfitted it with vital equipment to safely deliver babies. In addition to offering better healthcare to the region, God is giving Namumu a vision to train young people with job skills so they can support their families. Gifts from people like you share God’s love, hope and good news with the children and families in Siavonga.
So, every time you see a manger scene this Christmas, remember the littles ones born at Namumu and rejoice!
Prayer: Light of the World who was born in a dark cave, let your Light shine in our hearts so we may shine your Light in many dark places around our world and give Hope!
You can learn more about Namumu on our website.
Rev. Dr. Doug Hoglund
Trustee
The Outreach Foundation