Christian compassion can set a woman free.
One of the most beautiful stories in the Bible is the account of a woman who endured personal pain and risked social scrutiny to seek healing from Jesus. It’s the story of the woman with the issue of blood. This poor lady suffered from a bleeding disorder for years and spent all she had seeking the barbaric medical treatment of the time, The Bible doesn’t say as much but any woman reading that Scripture can pretty much guess her trouble was of the female variety. 
In Jewish culture, that meant the desperate woman of our story was shunned by society since anything or anyone she touched would also become “unclean.” Yet she dared to jostle through a crowd to get close to the One she believed could bring her relief. Too timid to be blunt like scores of others had about their medical issues with the Master, she determined that touching his hemline would suffice. Jesus asked who had touched him and the terrified woman told the whole truth in front of that milling, impatient crowd. Jesus commended her faith and told her to go in peace, free from her suffering.
My friend, Susan Craft, belongs to a group of women who dare to love as Jesus loved. Through the ministry of Global Aid Network (GAiN) the group meet several times a week to make washable menstrual pads for impoverished women in developing countries. Here is Susan’s story about the compassion of Christ shown to a modern day social outcasts.
“Because of the lack of disposal systems and acute poverty, the women we’re sewing for cannot use disposable pads and are often ostracized and shamed into remaining at home during their menstrual cycles. The girls miss school, and their absences are counted against them. If they miss too many days, they cannot graduate to the next level.”
“These women don’t have access to feminine hygiene supplies. Many use rags, ash, coconut husks, or just sit for a week. We were stunned and touched by stories of women and young girls who can’t leave their homes or who are shunned during this sensitive time. Young girls can miss 20 percent of the school year, and women can lose time from work and cannot feed their families that week.
“With our hearts stirred for these women, we gathered all the things necessary to make the pads–sewing machines, fabric, thread, batting, snaps—and set to work meeting numerous times over several weeks. A gentleman in our church even fashioned wooden patterns for us to use. So far, we have made several hundred pads.”
“LuoPads (as they are called) can restore dignity to women by helping them reclaim control of their lives and take charge of their health. It also gives ministry partners the opportunity to tell these vulnerable and wounded women that Jesus loves them and values them.”
What a beautiful service project! Just think of what this says to a woman in an impoverished country. Someone cares about her most personal need, a need that impacts her life, her livelihood, and her hope. While a sack of rice might whisper the name of Jesus, a private bundle of feminine hygiene napkins shouts the love and compassion of Christ. It tells a woman that others know, understand, and are willing to help.
After Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, He told them and us that we are to do as He has done for us – whether it’s washing feet or getting close enough to people to see their private pain.
How can you meet the deepest needs of the social outcasts among us?
Susan F. Craft, whom I have featured on this blog before, writes inspirational historical romantic suspense. Look for her newest book, Cassia, coming soon to an Amazon page near you.
Susan says,
“In my novels The Chamomile, Laurel, and Cassia, my main character, besides being a portrait and mural artist, is a healer. She’s a deeply caring person who ministers to others no matter what their background. There’s a scene where Lilyan has been imprisoned in the Exchange Dungeon. There she finds several woman in need of not only medical care, but also some compassion and TLC. That’s how I see our PAD Project.”
For more information about how your group can be involved in the PAD project, check out the Global Aid Network website here. Watch this video to have your heart touched by this ministry.
This is so touching. What a kind ministry you’re doing!
Susan, what an incredible ministry! I’m so thankful there are ladies out there like you and the other volunteers who think of needs that no one else thinks about.
J’nell, what’s even better for me, when my 17-year-old granddaughter visited with my husband and me, she went with me to one of the sewing sessions. That evening, I heard her explaining on the phone to my daughter what she had done. It thrilled my heart to hear her reaction and that she was touched knowing that she had helped another young woman in a far away and very different place.
Tonight, at my knitting group, women told stories of difficult times in high school Phys ed classes when teachers were not understanding about those who had more than the usual trouble with that time of the month. Anyone who has experienced life disrupted will feel a heart tug for those women who truly are cut off because of their cycle. This story is the epitome of compassion! I’m so glad to hear how your granddaughter was touched by the need, Susan.
My heart nearly broke in two. The things that we, in this country, take for granted. Dear Lord, bless these women!
That “necessity” just seems so much a part of life we don’t stop to think that it isn’t available to women in other parts of the world. You’re right. It makes me so much more grateful for all that I have.
You are invited to work with us on this project. Contact Susie Necker at 803-445-8726 for information.
Thanks, Susie, for the contact information!
Karen, Susie Necker is my church’s (Northeast Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC) coordinator for the Luopad mission. She does a fantastic job! She has even scheduled a refresher sewing lesson for women who haven’t used their sewing machines in years, as well as a lesson to teach those who have never used a machine.
Such a great thing to provide for those women! Never thought much about it. I’d like to try making these at our church.