Arise & Shine & Give God The Glory

 Another morning has broken, like a fresh morning…either with a cat fight or a rooster crowing. After a quick breakfast we piled in the van and went to bless Brenda with song, prayer and a small gift. Brenda is definitely looking better than the last time we visited her.

Next it was off to Arise and Shine School to visit and play with the students - students aged from 4-6. First we helped to feed them a type of porridge. Then it was off to the classroom where the students welcomed us with a wonderful little presentation. Janessa then shared the Zacchaeus story with them which was followed by us singing the Zacchaeus song. It was exciting to see it was another song they were familiar with. After this we split up where Sue and Janessa went out to play games with them and Lisa, Deb and I making bracelets for all the kids. The idea was for the kids to make the bracelets but the kids were just too young. We stopped for a quick lunch and then split into two groups to visit 4 widows. The widows shared with us that during the 10 month Covid lockdown, with all the kids home from school, they were desperately hungry and prayed for food. In answer to their prayers, someone totally unknown to the widows, stopped at their homes providing them with a meal or food. An Angel of Mercy?!? Our day was wrapped up with a visit to Catherine and Proteus and their son Cyril. Catherine and Proteus have had such a difficult life, already burying 3 sons. Their sons were born healthy but developed a form of muscular dystrophy that slowly took their lives. Throughout this last week we were able to bless the widows but I believe that they have blessed us more with their godly witness and joyful countenance. God has put a hand of protection over this area, through the time of Covid. The widows are extremely thankful for this. As we arrived home the heavens opened and the earth was refreshed with torrential showers after months of no rain. God blessed us so richly today, in holding off the rains, until we arrived safely home.

Lydia

Just in case you are wondering how we can accomplish all this ministry work while here for just two weeks. The answer is Everlyne and Aggrey! They are our field partners on the ground. They assist us during our time here with translation and logistical aspects, accompanying us throughout our days here. But more importantly, VOH/HFL work together with them throughout the entire year.  They diligently visit each of our ladies monthly, facilitating medical appointments, juggling school fees, arranging house repairs or renovations and much more.  We are so thankful to the Lord for these two gems!!  

Maryanne