5 MINUTE READ

From Luke’s Journal March 2026  |  Vol. 31  No. 1  |  God at the Bedside

As I entered the room for handover at the start of my shift at the bedside, I could sense a low energy in the room – no sound, no light, no support person – just a lady in bed.

Introductions were made, and the handover done. My mind was scanning words; I didn’t know what to say, knowing that whatever I said may not be the right words.

This was not a normal situation where the expectant mother is in labour, looking forward to hearing the first cry of her baby or giving the first feed. It was none of those. I said beneath my breath, “God lead me… please.”

I uttered to the lady, “Would you like a shower?” To my relief, she said yes and explained she badly wanted one because it had been a while since she had showered and was worried about the odour in the room. As it turned out, she was actually too afraid to ask and assumed it was not for her in that situation.

While she showered, I made her bed with clean linen and dimmed the lights. She changed into a fresh gown, relaxed in bed, and I gave her a scented tissue with a pleasant perfume to smell.

She felt her first contraction not long afterwards. She had been hoping for “everything to end” that day so that she could go home.

One contraction came after another, and soon she delivered; the obstetrician entered the room and examined the foetus confirming – no heartbeat – as expected.

Just before moving her to a different room, the lady thanked me for providing such humane care and for the scent that helped her focus during contractions. It was her late mother’s favourite perfume, and it brought her a deep sense of peace.

“I gave glory to God for all His guidance that day, from providing the right words, to taking my perfume to work, which is rare.”

I gave glory to God for all His guidance that day, from providing the right words, to taking my perfume to work, which is rare.

To the mothers of babies without a heartbeat, I see you, and I feel your pain; God is close to you.“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18).

The principle of midwifery under God’s stewardship is deeply ingrained in biblical stories and metaphors, illustrating God as a midwife figure who guides and assists His people in their physical and spiritual journeys.²

All women have the right to quality maternity and medical care regardless of their geographical, religious, social, political or economic status. In biblical times, the role of midwives extended beyond childbirth as they were often viewed as protectors of life. Prominent midwives like Shiphrah and Puah demonstrated remarkable moral courage by defying Pharaoh’s orders to kill Hebrew male infants (Exodus 1:15–21).³

In 2018, as a student midwife, I completed work placements in rural settings, caring for expectant mothers from both rural and remote communities. I soon realised that there was much to be done to improve safe and satisfactory care for mothers, their babies and families. Health services must be accessible to every woman who needs them.

Health services can be inaccessible if providers do not acknowledge and respect cultural factors, physical and economic barriers, or if the community is not aware that they are available. Healthcare workers can effectively promote accessibility by addressing physical and economic barriers, and exploring cultural competence, acceptability and appropriateness.³ 

Women who are refugees and asylum seekers living in the community should have continued access to culturally appropriate, patient-centred health care, including specialist care, to meet their ongoing physical and mental health needs, including rehabilitation.

To determine the women’s specific health needs, all asylum seekers and refugees should undergo comprehensive and timely health assessments in a culturally appropriate manner by suitably trained medical practitioners as part of a primary health care team. This assessment will be used to establish ongoing care, with appropriate and descriptive records being taken regularly to enable multidisciplinary teams and healthcare providers to give effective care. 

“The Bible also presents God in the role of a midwife, emphasising His nurturing and protective qualities.”

The Bible also presents God in the role of a midwife, emphasising His nurturing and protective qualities.

Verses such as Psalm 22:9-10 reflect this imagery, portraying God as one who brings forth life and sustains it from birth. This metaphorical use of midwifery illustrates the divine involvement in the process of new beginnings and spiritual rebirth.¹

Yet you brought me out of the womb;
    you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast.
From birth I was cast on you;
    from my mother’s womb you have been my God. (Ps 22:9-10)

Every woman, especially expectant mothers, should be treated with compassion, respect, and dignity. This is where Orison Medical Health Centre is set to play a big role in South Sudan.

Once the facility is completed with the help of African Action International Australia and HealthServe Global, it will showcase God’s love in action. By working together, we can strengthen healthcare in disadvantaged regions. Health is paramount.

Read more about Medina and the Orison Medical Health Centre in Chris Dickons’ article “Transforming Communities Through Sustainable Healthcare“

To hear more about Medina’s powerful journey in her own words, watch her full Vlog interview on YouTube or Spotify.

---