What's your method?

I was just asked by the pastor of our church, "Are you unable to have children or are you using birthcontrol and, if so, what type?" Wow, very straightforward. Keep in mind we´ve barely spoken with the pastor pryor to this. This isn´t the first time I´ve been asked this, but it still surprises me everytime. The majority of the men in our office have asked me this same question followed by, "Does Shane know you are preventing pregnancy?"

In many of the communities the man is completely incharge and makes all the decisions without regarding his wife's desires. Normally within a year of the wedding a couple will have their first child so when it is discovered we've been married almost four years and don't have children people are curious. At times a woman who has more kids than her husband can provide for will secretly take things into her own hands since birth control is free at the public health centers; hence the question about Shane's knowledge of the situation.

This question stems from two roots, one, pure curiousity (our pastor) and two, the belief that women don't have rights and shouldn't. As one may assume, this idea of women not having worth has a very negative impact on families. This question takes me off guard everytime, but has been a great way to talk about how God views marriage and women.

This month we are putting on skits and dramas (people LOVE these) and sharing what the Bible says about the family in all 15 communities. Pray that God will opens hearts, especially the fathers, as we address family issues with His Word as our guide.