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Under the Mango Tree

Working in Mozambique, Walter & Rosie McCorkell are helping disciple Church leaders among the Ndau people. In December Rosie got an unexpected call; help was needed under the mango tree…

In a recent newsletter Rosie recalls how she is suddenly told about a young mother expecting her second child; her waters had broken and there was no one to help her! Rosie writes, “Things that day changed dramatically as we tried to find a local lady who had some experience of helping to deliver a child. But when she arrived she asked me if I could ‘catch’ the baby! I have 3 girls, but this was new to me. With no hospital, no pain relief, doctor, nurse, midwife, or vehicle, I prayed for the One who knows everything, to help.

During that day, I stayed with the young mother and felt so privileged to be able to just be there for her. Later some older ladies in the community arrived and by supper time the baby boy was born. He arrived in the pitch dark, under a mango tree, as there was nowhere else…

He arrived in the dust and dirt, under the stars on a reed mat and a borrowed rag and the only cloths for him to be wrapped in was my navy blue towel as there was nothing else clean. He opened his little eyes to the stars and I wept as I was reminded of the miracle of new birth and how our Saviour arrived in such lowly circumstances to bring all of us hope.

It was an absolute privilege and joy to be there and to be one of the ‘midwives’, looking on, despite my lack of training. I praise God for the safe delivery of a perfect little boy. And yes I know you are all wanting to know his name! His name is Walter, after my Walter.

Please pray for Esnath, baby Walter, Cephas her 2 year old son and Wiros their father who is a very special Godly man and who is a great friend to us. It certainly puts things into perspective when something like this happens in your life and somehow you are never the same again. Thank you Jesus for the profound reminder of your birth and just what you gave up for us when you came down from heaven.”