The Directors of WOOMB International were delighted to announce two new recipients of the John and Evelyn Billings Award at the WOOMB Latin American International Billings Ovulation Method® Conference in Cusco, Peru.

In choosing recipients for this award the Directors wish to recognise those who have shown by their actions that they have the passion to be active participants in the spread of the authentic Billings Ovulation Method® to every woman on earth. In pursing this passion there will always be setbacks, and worthy recipients do not let
setbacks stop them from continuing to spread the “Good News” of the Billings Ovulation Method®.

Gustavo Machado – Argentina
The formation of WOOMB Latinoamerica in Melbourne in 2009 was the realisation of a dream for the Directors of WOOMB International, and it marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Billings Ovulation Method®, which became an inspiration to the worldwide Billings family. Gustavo Machado was involved in WOOMB Latinoamerica from the very beginning but his involvement began back in 2000 when he and his wife, Maria Nieves came to Melbourne to meet with the Drs Billings and to discover for themselves whether the teaching of the Billings Ovulation Method® in Argentina was authentic. Recognising the need to change has not been without pain, as he met with resistance and disbelief. This did not frustrate him, rather he organised for the Melbourne M&M team to come and confirm what he had learned.

Gustavo is rightly known as the “Father of WOOMB LA” because of his gentle leadership, direction and care. His wisdom shines through so that WOOMB Latinoamerica has become a beacon and a witness of how Affiliates can work together to spread the good news to their neighbouring countries. This journey of a quarter of a century for Gustavo has seen the birth and growth of the original small group of countries which has now developed to include 17 Affiliated countries.

In presenting this prestigious Award, we honour Gustavo’s commitment to the realization of a dream so wonderfully fulfilled

Heloisa Pereira – Brazil
Heloisa was also present in Melbourne in 2009 for the formation of WOOMB Latinoamerica but her story goes back some years and required another leap of faith.

She had been present at a Teacher Training Program presented by the Melbourne M&M team and was concerned about how she would explain the need for change to her saintly mentor Sr Martha Behring, who had spread the Billings Ovulation Method® widely throughout Brazil. Sr Martha immediately embraced the changes required to ensure that the authentic Billings Ovulation Method® was taught in Brazil. Her affirmation and Heloisa’s energy enabled an updating program to be developed.

Heloisa has a charisma that draws people to what she has to offer and the growth and development of the Billings Ovulation Method® teachers throughout all of Brazil is the result. Heloisa is a trailblazer in spreading the Method throughout the country and she has enabled the creation of a dynamic team of teachers who, together, are a formidable force in sharing the good news.

As one of the leaders of WOOMB Latinoamerica, Heloisa is also bringing the Method to Portuguese speaking people outside of Brazil. She was co-responsible for the training of accredited teachers in Portugal resulting in a new Affiliate for WOOMB International. She is now concentrating her efforts on Mozambique. Her enthusiasm and energy are boundless.

In presenting this prestigious Award, we honour and congratulate you Heloisa and thank you for being such a
valued member of the Billings family. We love you Heloisa!