"... she forgets the anguish because of her joy..." – Jesus, in John 16:21.

Motherhood is such a blessing, but today we remember a group of mothers who have lost their hope, due to the life-long smell, shame and isolation of obstetric fistula.

Faith, in Nigeria, was one of these mothers. Every day she faced the pain of constantly leaking bodily waste, as a result of the traumatic birth of her precious baby boy. Last year, I was fortunate to see cbm’s obstetric fistula programme in Nigeria in action and met mothers like Faith.

A fistula can occur when an unborn baby's head puts too much pressure on a mother’s maternal tissues, which restricts the blood supply. When the tissue dies it leaves a hole, or fistula, which can cause urine and faeces to leak uncontrollably. It has life-threatening consequences for mothers in the world's poorest places.

Obstetric fistula is a debilitating health condition, and Nigeria accounts for 40% of global cases. It is a preventable and treatable condition, but because of circumstances such as poverty and lack of access to health care, an estimated 50,000–100,000 mothers worldwide develop this condition each year.[1]

Mothers with obstetric fistula are often excluded from daily activities, husbands frequently leave them, and they are isolated from their village due to their incontinence. Many mothers live with the condition for decades, unable to access the medical intervention that can change their lives.

Faith was “dreaming big” to earn an income by baking cakes and planning festive events. But no amount of “work hard” would earn enough money for her to pay for her obstetric fistula surgery.

With support from caring people like you, cbm aims to ensure mothers with obstetric fistula in Nigeria have access to medical services provided by highly skilled doctors and nurses, are able to obtain the post-operative care they need and are given assistance to start their own business so they can live independently.

Your generous support will also help raise awareness to protect and heal mothers from the tragedy of obstetric fistula. Faith never expected to find the warm and welcoming wraparound care that was waiting for her a bus ride away, thanks to cbm-funded Sustainable Family Healthcare Foundation (SFHF).

Thankfully, Faith received life-changing surgery to restore her hope and dignity. The flow of urine stopped. At last, Faith was able to enjoy drinking water again, without fear of being shunned for her smell.

She also needed a practical way to rebuild her life as a mother providing for her son. Her big dream has come true. She has enrolled in a cake baking and decorating class, and hopes to make a good living as a baker.

"I am thrilled to be learning how to make cakes and snacks. These skills will help me support my son."

Become a part of this rare and remarkable ministry to mothers who would otherwise live a lifetime in secret shame. Thanks to your generosity, mothers like Faith will be able to dream big. Please prayerfully consider sending your gift today to set mothers, like Faith, free from obstetric fistula, by phoning 0800 77 22 64 or on cbm's website www.cbmnz.org.nz . Thank you.

Dr Murray Sheard received his PhD in Ethics and Philosophy from the University of Auckland. He has worked in international development for over 15 years and is the Chief Executive Officer of cbm New Zealand.

[1] World Health Organization - https://www.who.int/news-room/facts-in-pictures/detail/10-facts-on-obstetric-fistula