An opportunity

I have written before regarding the subject of obstetric fistulas in the developing world.  Yesterday, my husband showed me an article in Christianity Today dealing with that very issue.  In the article (http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2010/january/17.48.html) the author draws parallels between the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5 and the modern day problem of obstetric fistulas.  It is very difficult for me to wrap my mind around the suffering that is endured by so many women when it is preventable.  The sad truth, however, is that impoverished women all around the world don't have access to medical care that can prevent these fistulas from forming in the first place.  Can you imagine being in labor for days (not hours!) and then only finding relief from that labor after your baby begins to decompose inside of you and then realizing that you have lost your ability to control your bladder and/or bowels because of the trauma that such a prolonged labor has brought on your body?  As if that weren't bad enough, you are then ostracized by your family and friends because no one can tolerate the stench that you are unwittingly producing?  It is so unbelievably sad and yet thousands and thousands of women are afflicted.  Just as Jesus demonstrated with the woman in Mark 5, I believe that we are called to show mercy to those who suffer.  You can read here about work that is being done to help: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2010/january/18.53.html.  According the Worldwide Fistula Fund, it costs approximately $450.00 to provide surgical care for one woman that will completely transform her life.  If that isn't what Jesus would do, I don't know what is.  If you would be interested in partnering with me to provide a surgery for one woman, would you send me an email (jejohns95@yahoo.com)?