April 15, 2025

When Mary Pahadin, 21, who lives in a country in south Asia, became pregnant with her first child, she weighed a mere 38 kilograms (84 pounds). She was unaware of how important proper nutrition, rest, and regular checkups were to protecting her health and the health of her unborn child. Then, through God’s grace, Mary attended an awareness program focused on pregnancy best practices and a nutritious food program organized by World Renew’s local partner.

Through these programs, Mary gained essential knowledge about proper nutritional intake and pregnancy care. She learned about the importance of regular Antenatal Care (ANC) checkups and the benefits of taking iron supplements. Mary took what she learned to heart and began attending ANC checkups regularly.

Now in her eighth month of pregnancy, Mary prepares and consumes nutritious food four times a day. Her weight increased to a healthier 49 kg (108 lbs) by the sixth month of pregnancy. “Now I believe that my delivery will be done normally in the hospital, and I will deliver a healthy baby,” shares Mary. Her story highlights the transformative impact of community education and nutritional awareness on maternal health.

World Renew celebrates Women of Hope Sunday on May 11. Through your gifts of support to our Maternal Newborn and Child Health program, you can help World Renew and our partners extend Christ’s hope to new and expectant mothers. Your gift will equip women with training in health best practices, income-generating activities, kitchen gardening, and more so they can better care for themselves and their families. Thank you for sharing the gift of hope!