Emma Nawrocka has worked for the Bible Society in Poland for nearly 40 years. As the political, social and economic landscape in Poland shifted, Emma remained strong in her Christian faith and service and brought up her family to love and respect the Bible. There are now three generations of her family who are committed Christians. Here, Emma's daughter, Elisabeth Pajak, shares her thoughts about her faith and the Bible.

Young mothers need
the Bible’s guidance
and comfort

WARSAW, Poland — In her work as a midwife in a large hospital, Elisabeth Pajak, 43, sees extremes of emotions on an almost daily basis. She sees the elation of excited new parents and the devastation when deliveries go wrong.

Elisabeth, a midwife, says that many young mothers feel lonely and worried after they've given birth and need spiritual guidance and comfort from the Bible. Warsaw, Poland. Photo: UBS/Dag Smemo (POL04DJ-279.JPG)

She also sees the sadness and uncertainty of single young mothers who give birth knowing that they will give up their babies for adoption. Abortion is illegal in Poland unless a woman is raped or there is a medical reason to terminate the pregnancy, so many young girls give birth to unwanted babies. Sometimes, the babies are adopted quite quickly, while others end up staying at the hospital for more than three months before being sent to an orphanage.

“We midwives and nurses know that there is an enormous need for spiritual advice and guidance for women who have just given birth, no matter what their situation is,” says Elisabeth. “A delivery is a profound experience for all women, raising questions about life and the future.

“We midwives and nurses know that there is an enormous need for spiritual advice and guidance for women who have just given birth, no matter what their situation is... A delivery is a profound experience for all women, raising questions about life and the future”

“The young mothers, in particular, often feel lonely and depressed and need someone to talk to. Difficult thoughts and questions come to them, especially during the night when they are alone without their family. But we as nurses have little time and knowledge to be able to offer this sort of support. I wish we had some sort of literature to give them. Maybe in time the Bible Society will be able to produce Bible Portions especially for them.”

Elisabeth finds great comfort in the Bible, particularly after a difficult day at work. “Psalm 37:5 is very important to me and has helped me many times,” she comments. “A doctor called this the normal temperature of a Christian. Physically, 36.6°C is the right temperature for a human body. But the content of this psalm should be the ‘normal temperature’ for a Christian: ‘Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.’” (NIV) (WR 390/13 - 02.05)