Labour Room Experince

24th September 2006 was the longest day in my life. I preached at TMC Seremban in the morning and thereafter, had to conduct a funeral service at 3pm in the same church. My wife was already experiencing slight contraction as she was due for the delivery. I had to leave her all alone at home and went over to the funeral house at 7.30pm to conduct a prayer meeting. I came back home at about 9.30pm and Jessie was already feeling a stronger contraction. We decided to hang on for several hours to make sure that it was not a false alarm. At about 11pm she started having bloody discharge and had to bring her to the doctor. Sharp at 12 midnight the doctor confirmed that Jessie is due for delivery and admitted her into the labour room. The long waited time has come……a brand new journey has started in our life.

Though Jessie was admitted at 12midnight, she only gave birth to Sophia at 5pm the next day (25th September 2006) – 17 hours of intense labour pain. I was right next to my wife all through out supporting her and praying with her. I was also equally exhausted though I was not going through the labour pain. One thing that surprised me the most was my wife’s attitude in the labour room. All that she asked me was to worship God and praise Him in ‘tounges’. I was practically doing that for more than 10 hours non-stop. I became really tired that day. Worshipping God and supporting my wife who was in an intense labour pain. She was twisting and turning her body with tears and groan. I had to witness all her suffering by holding her hands and worship God.

The doctor walked into the labour room at 4pm and told me that he will deliver the baby by 5pm. I gave him a cynical smile thinking in my heart can’t it be any earlier? With a little faith in his words I continued encouraging Jessie that it will be over soon. At that point of time Jessie appeared to be motionless without any energy. I was whispering praises into her ears and continued worshipping God. Sharp at 4.55pm the doctor walked into the room and gave me a smile as he was looking at the clock on the wall. By God’s grace, sharp at 4.59pm Jessie gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. (I take my hats off for Dr. Khoo for his expertise).

Just after the baby was delivered a Malay nurse walked into the room and told me that I am a very strong husband because I was there for my wife all the while moreover, it was my moral support that helped Jessie to deliver the baby normally. I told her that I am not as strong as I appear; I am actually afraid of blood and can’t stand seeing my loved ones suffering. That was when she told me, that “it was Your God who has strengthened you.” I was shocked to hear that from a Malay nurse. I asked her what made her say that. She told me that, the nurses heard me (from the nurse station) worshipping God in the labour room next to my wife all through out the day. So, she was very sure that it was God’s strength that helped both Jessie and me in the labour room experience. I praise God for this experience and the testimony that I could bear for His glory even in the labour room. When I asked Jessie the next day, why did she asked me only to worship God, she told me that the worship and praises that I rendered was her only strength to endure the 17 hours of intense pain in the labour room.

Thank you Lord for Your strength that was made perfect in our weaknesses. Amen.