John Martin Nyote - Agape Heart to Heart
It was the beginning of a normal day when John Martin Nyote's wife began experiencing labor pains. There was physical pain and a fullness of joy mixed together at the same time on this early morning filled with high expectations of once again welcoming a baby into their home. John rushed his wife to a nearby clinic where he expected to find help from medical personnel.
The clinics in our area usually consist of a mini pharmacy, a small lab comprising a microscope to do basic lab tests, and a comprehensive nurse or standby midwife, but no doctors. These clinics seem to be “safe” and affordable when it comes to critical situations, but sometimes this affordability comes at a high cost- even one as grave as death.
John faced this reality. As he got to the clinic, his wife was given a bed, and the nurse on duty began to appraise her condition. The nurse realized John’s wife was bleeding profusely, and let John know that she didn’t have the capacity to help his wife.
It was during the lockdown, and only a few cars were allowed to move except for those considered “essential,” and vehicles with special permission. In addition, the most common means of transport, known as “bodaboda” (public transport motorcycles), were not allowed to move at the time.
John reached out to us and several other people, but the situation had worsened before I arrived at the clinic. I was told that he had gotten on a bodaboda and left with his bleeding wife. She was taken to a hospital approximately 40 minutes away from our area.
Upon arrival, John’s wife was well-attended by the doctors, but it was too late. He was kept outside the room for a short while until what should have been a joyful moment of hearing about the birth of his child was eclipsed by the sad news of the death of both the child and mother.
It was a moment of cold brokenness for John and the rest of us. There aren’t words enough to explain the grief over such a situation. But we continue to pray for John, who has still remained strong in the Lord- the One Who gives and takes away.
AICM was able to tangibly love John by clearing the hospital bill and providing the funds needed for transferring the body of John’s wife to her ancestral home for burial. It is AICM’s hope that in the future, more will be able to be done for mothers and their families during the birthing process.
John’s story is not unique - there are many others who have lost their loved ones during this lockdown. Please pray with us for the mothers and families who are expecting new babies, and for John as he processes his grief and seeks the Lord for strength and comfort.
Written by Azarias Kibaya, AICM Program Director in Uganda
If you would like to join AICM in providing options for families who are in need of help, we encourage you to partner with us!
