Spencer and April Baggott, with Lucas and Abigail, serve as missionaries in Rwanda, overseeing French Equatorial Field ministry strategy.
When the Baggotts learned they would have their third child, it became necessary to travel from their home in Rwanda to South Africa for health care.
Silas was born on the opening day of the 2010 World Cup. Lucas and Abigail celebrated the World Cup and their new brother at the Africa Regional Office.
Weighing in at 6 pounds (2.7 kilograms), Silas Asher was born in South Africa through global church gifts to World Evangelism Fund.
Little Silas shows his football colors. Born in South Africa, he was delivered safely through the generosity of Nazarenes around the world.
Silas Asher Baggott was born on June 11, 2010, and weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces. He was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, because the World Evangelism Fund (WEF) made that possible.
When Spencer and I found out we were expecting our third baby, we were thrilled. Behind all of that excitement though, we began to think about what kind of health care Rwanda would provide for a safe and smooth delivery. After talking with other missionaries and expatriates, we agreed with the Global Mission office that it would be best to travel to South Africa for the delivery.
The plan was to travel two months before the actual due date because I had delivered our other children, Lucas and Abigail, at 36 weeks. This would allow us enough time to get there safely and be able to have prenatal visits with the birthing center.
While in Rwanda, I started having contractions at about 26 weeks. After a stressful evening in a private hospital, we decided to go to South Africa sooner. God was so good. He provided an opening for the whole family to be able to take that next flight. The plane was about full and our family was on standby. As time dwindled down, the airline allowed the kids and I to get on the plane. About 30 minutes later, Spencer was able to join us.
Bev Shute, Africa missionary personnel coordinator, supported us in many ways during this stressful time. She communicated the Africa Regional Office’s backing of our decision. We felt comforted and loved.
The World Evangelism Fund helped us get to a better health care area. While we were in South Africa, Spencer traveled to Ghana for a leadership meeting. I felt OK about him going because the kids and I were in good hands. Being in Rwanda during this time might have created a more stressful environment, which could have been worse for the pregnancy. Because our assignment is more Internet-based, we were able to continue the work for the French Equatorial Field, which is one of the seven administrative areas that make up the Africa Region of the Church of the Nazarene.
God has blessed us with the perfect missionary children. Just as they were beginning to get settled in Rwanda, they had a temporary move to yet another country. Luke and Abby know that the Church of the Nazarene is a wonderful church. At one time Abby mentioned that when she grows up she wants to work for the Church of the Nazarene, which of course makes us proud. We feel blessed that Luke and Abby are able to grow up in a missionary home. Their lives are forever changed and we give glory to God. Spencer and I thank the church because we were able to use the World Evangelism Fund for medical needs.
-- Spencer and April Baggott serve as missionaries in the French Equatorial Field, one of seven administrative fields in the Africa Region. Spencer serves as field education coordinator and ministry coordinator. April serves in finance and children's ministries.