Partnering


Midnight Ministry Visits
By Char Reehm

"The phone rang at midnight. "Char, can you come over and help us with breastfeeding? We've tried everything, and she won't stop crying." I rushed over and reviewed what they had done to see what I could do. The first six weeks for a new mother are a mix of delirious joy and lack of sleep. The little 7 lb. miracle turns the house upside down and causes two sane adults to have no sense of night or day.

I have been using my skills, as a registered nurse specializing in mother/baby care and my training as a lactation consultant, in partnership with my ministry for the last eight years. I work 20 hours per week for the local County Health Department as a Public Health Nurse case manager for high-risk families. My job involves home-visit nursing to young families referred from hospitals, clinics, doctors and child protection services. My experiences and training have also helped me in our ministry to the military in the Monterey, California area.

Years ago, women came together to help new mothers and provide teaching. Many women today are separated from family and friends, especially in military families. They are very grateful for someone who can provide help and encouragement. Organizing meals, baby-sitting for siblings, house-cleaning, providing resources for doctors, clinics, etc. have been other ways I've tried to help.

The Scriptures tell us that older women are to "train the younger women to love their husbands and children" (Titus 2:4). There is a bond that forms when an experience is shared. I've seen some of these women get into a Bible study who previously weren't interested. Relationships with women I'm discipling are strengthened. I get calls after they move regarding second pregnancies, breastfeeding, etc. I love to keep a relationship growing.

I have seen that coming to help new mothers in their most vulnerable times and having expertise in their areas of need is a ministry. I go in on labor and delivery two times a year. Last year 15 women in our ministry had babies! Half the deliveries I have attended as a "doula" or helper have had a crisis during the delivery. During the stress of a complicated labor and delivery, it is an honor to pray with the couple and work through each contraction with them. As a helper, I try to find answers for the couple's questions, which helps to allay fears.

Partnering my professional skills and ministry has expanded my ministry opportunities in exciting new ways. It fulfills my God-given design and gifting to help women spiritually, medically and emotionally at a time when there is great need. 1 Peter 4:11 says, ". . . If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be glory and power forever and ever. . . ."

Char Reehm and her husband Bob have been on staff with the Navigator Military Ministry since 1981. They have three children. Char enjoys discipling women, public speaking, gardening and walking with Bob. They currently minister at the Naval Postgraduate School and the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California.