Women's Health Care Program

by Christine Jegadesh

The full time physician at the Koinonia Medical Clinic in Pune, Dr. Namrata, joined the women from the Medical Missions Team to hold a Health Care Program specially designed to address the needs of the Indian women. It was such a blessing, and everyone was very encouraged by the event.

We had 60 women in attendance, exactly the number we had proposed! God provided in a 5 loaves and 2 fishes situation. We had prepared a small gift for the ladies. It was a packet filled with a calendar, hand sanitizer, toothbrush, tissues, vitamins, etc., all wrapped in a pretty bag with a ribbon. Pastor Joseph had said to prepare for 60 women, so that is what we did. The women kept showing up after our program began, so we were not sure if we would have enough for everyone, but praise God, we did! Vishranti and some of the ladies from the church stayed behind to see if there was enough and Vishranti took the last packet! A perfect count - 60 packets and 60 women!! We were so encouraged. God has a perfect plan to provide for all our needs, even in the smallest things!

The program ran for about 3 hours. Each one of the 8 women on the team had a part in the program. We shared on topics related to hygiene and disease prevention, dental health, a women's cycle, family planning, prenatal health, caring for a newborn, menopause, etc. At the end of the session we had a great question/answer period and then had chai tea and samosas with the women. As the women departed, they received the gift packet.

The women ranged in age and socioeconomic class. There were women from the church, as well as many of the women from the street and local community we have gotten to know through the clinic and our medical camps. Many of the women who came last year returned this year, which was a great blessing. Relationships are being built and trust is forming. We are hoping to build upon some of these budding relationships as we look forward to future programs with women in the community.

We also shared about God creating woman to be unique and special, giving us the wonderful opportunity to bear children. We used Psalm 139 as a core passage. It was a blessing to incorporate His Word into our program for our attendees of all faith backgrounds.

Dr. Namrata did an amazing job translating and filling in details that we might have left off. She was also a great blessing to the team. And thank you for your prayers and encouragement. All of the team members were excited about the program and felt is was useful for the women.