THE STORY OF MAKHAYA KHAGODO (NOW GEORGE KHAGODO) CONTNIUES:
The Life of Khagodo before:
Before Bethel met Makhaya Khagodo, he had lost all hope in life. He was destitute, had no family support and having suffered from various illnesses including HIV/AIDS, living had simply become a matter of waiting for death. Too weak to build a good home for himself, Khagodo was living in a self-assembled grass and rubbish ‘nest’.
With no close relatives to care for him and a local community that showed no concern, Khagodo lived an isolated and lonely life. Treated as an outcast, rejected and labelled as ‘dirty’; people kept a wide distance as many believed he would infect them with his illness. (Sadly this is common conduct in the Mooni community when people discover that someone is living with HIV/AIDS).
By his own confession, Khagodo was happier to die than to live.
Meeting Khagodo
In February 2010 some Bethel members were on an outreach mission to start the new church plant in Bubetsye. It was on this mission that we came across Khagodo. Withdrawn and hiding in the shadows; he did not want people to see him. The group were moved to reach out to him in love, compassion and practical support. Acknowledging the immediate need that confronted us, we knew we needed to build Khagodo a proper home - somewhere that would help to restore his life and dignity; and so work begun.
We shared with Khagodo about the Love of God, how he was valued by Christ and that there was steadfast hope to be found. After continued conversations, Khagodo received Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
In building the house many locals gathered to see what we were doing and so came the opportunity for us to minister to the wider community.
Life for Khagodo Now:
Changing his name as a mark of his new beginning, life for George completely restarted. No longer wanting to die, he began to find hope and improvement in all areas of life. Support for medical treatment became available which meant that many of his ongoing health issues were looked after and treated.
Having lost his wife over 20 years ago, Khagodo never had hope of ever having a woman in his life again. He is now dating Senga, a lady about 15 years his junior. There is also another lady interested but he has chosen Senga; they hope to wed soon is any support was available.
He now has a good home and a community that treats him with more of the respect he deserves.
He believes that he can begin a business that will sustain his life and the lives of those around him.
Of course the best part of this story is that Khagodo now knows Jesus as his Lord and Saviour- the most wonderful transformation anyone could experience.
When I had a brief conversation with Khagodo last week, he said
“My son, I pray to God that He adds me more 20 years on the normal years He intended for me”. He added, “I wish I knew Jesus during my youthhood. My life would certainly be happier, but nevertheless, it is not too late. I will spend my remaining life as a happy man’’.
It still amazes us to see such a complete turnaround in Khagodo’s life; from a social outcast who for over 2 years never had a visit, to an aspiring businessman and valued member of the community with many friends and more than one woman wanting to marry him!
God is good!
The Future
Bethel is committed to helping Khagodo walk his journey of holistic transformation. We are grateful to God that while there has already been such momentous life change - socially, politically, physically and spiritually; we sincerely believe there is more to come.
Prayers needed
As a church we have identified several people in a similar situation to how Khagodo was before. We are praying that God will enable us to help them recover their hope, voice and dignity. Please join us in this calling. Please pray for:
Khagodo
- That he will continue to grow in his relationship with God and that others shall come to know Christ through his testimony.
- That he will get some capital to help him become sustainable and self reliant.
- For his relationship with Senga. Recently a former boyfriend of Senga came and attacked Khagodo for dating his girlfriend. Senga is only interested in Khagodo and not the other man- please pray for protection and peace in that situation. Please also pray for them as they plan for the wedding and that it shall come to pass.
- For continued and miraculous improvement in his health and the health of Senga (she is also living with HIV/AIDS).
Bethel Church
- Please pray for us as a church. We are committed to bringing holistic transformation to people but at the same time we don’t want to encourage dependency. We want to help people to overcome the dependency syndrome and begin to believe that change is possible.
- That God would lead us to more people like Khagodo. That we would reach out in the Love of God, knowing that he has a purpose and a plan for all people- no matter what their circumstances.
- The youths and other members of Bethel intend to build a shelter for a woman in the community called Florence. (Some of you have heard her story). Our main problem is the funds to help us buy the building material. We have enough human resource that we only lack finances to serve God in this way- please pray with us as we trust for His provision in His perfect timing.
God bless you all as you pray.
Vincent: Pastor of Bethel Church in Mooni.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Bethel Church 4/1/11 New Year update
Greetings to you all and praise God friends,
I wish you all an amazing 2011. It is my prayer that it will be a year full of blessings and achievements for you all.
The ministry of Bethel is made possible by your support, hard work and participation, and I want to personally thank you very much for that. It’s fair to say that Bethel would not be where it is today without the kindness, hard work and generosity of you our supporters and co-workers in the ministry. Your prayers have refreshed and protected, and donations toward our Bethel programmes have enabled us give people hope.
I took a moment to reflect on the year 2010. It was a year of scarcity, strong opposition, imprisonment, beatings and threats of all kinds; but at the same time we have experienced great achievements, through you and I, God’s work has continued. I have been made aware that I wasn't called to serve alone, that I was called to this ministry with you, and so your strengths are a part of what is offered to God right next to my weaknesses.
Our ministry achievements:
1.We have managed to start 2 church plants. El-Shaddai in Bubetsye started in February 7th 2010 and Emmanuel started in November 2010.
2.Evangelism seminars have been carried out and we have had several Muslims come to Jesus both in Bethel and in the new church plants. There have been a number of baptisms due to that.
3.We have held trainings for Sunday school teachers, leadership, youths in life skills, evangelism, couples, children’s bible clubs teachers and seminars for couples and youths.
4.We have been able to pay school fees for the needy children we are within the church and in our families.
5.We were able to build one shelter for the needy man who was living in a bad condition.
6.Some women who serve in the community were able to go to Tanzania for training in health related issues. They will pass the knowledge to others in the church and community for more to know how they can live better.
7.Vincent and Grace travelled to our partner church in Australia. This was a great achievement and new relationships were established and the old ones were strengthened. Some funding was raised to make the work of the above mentioned achievements possible.
8.Other programmes like Sunday school, bible studies, Alpha, spots, caring for the needy, economic empowerment for the needy, goats given away for the widows, food security, evangelism, bible clubs, literacy class and several others have continued and people have been blessed.
9.Some marginalized people including Florence have started a journey of new hope. There are several testimonies to hear.
Some challenges in 2010:
1.Our Muslim converts have been mistreated by their families. Young people were kicked out of their families and lacked where to go. So they ended up in church members homes. For men their wives and children were taken away from them and they also left their ancestral homes.
2.Some church leaders have been put into jail and some have been physically assaulted.
3.Due to insufficient funds we were not able to build our medical and community centre last year. The satellite church structures were not built.
4.Did not carry out all the leadership trainings as it was intended in the work plan of 2010.
The new year good start:
The year 2011 has started well. We already have good stories of interest.
1.The first one is, Joseph Wogama Khabego got his wife back on Sunday the 2nd. Joseph is one of the Muslim converts who were forced to leave their biological families when they got saved, and in addition to that his wife Alima and children were taken away from him by the Muslim parents. Through the support of members, himself and donors he was able to redeem her back on the 2nd/01/2011. Now they are planning for the wedding and they will live together legally.
2.The second one is, Florence’s husband whom some of you prayed for came to church on the same Sunday 2nd of Jan and thanked the church for the prayers and all the support. His mental problem seems to be getting better. Although he did not confess Jesus as Lord (he is still Muslim) he promised to keep coming to church.
3.On the 15th of the same nonth one of our new church leaders (El-Shaddai pastor) Gorden is going to pay dowry to marry Justine.
4.Martin Muhiyi will introduce [Ed.: similar to an engagement] on the 29th of the same month. Martin is a youth and worship leader in Bethel Church.
5.In January we are going to begin to construct the church building of El-Shaddai, buy land and build Emmanuel church building as well.
6.And in the same month we are going to send 2 of the leaders to Seminary for higher training for pastoral leadership. The 2 are Gorden and Paul.
Prayers:
1.Pray for the rest of the Muslim converts who lost their wives and children due to their conversion to Christianity.
2.Pray that we shall get enough to pay for the needy children’s school fees without fail. The new term is coming soon.
3.Pray that the rest of the marriage bride price arrangements due to take place in this month shall go well, and that we shall have enough to cover everything as far as dowry is concerned/
4.Continue praying for the new ministries: that God will strengthen the leaders.
5.Pray that God will enable us to meet all our objectives in the year 2011. There has to be a new ministry or two during this year.
6.Continue praying for Florence. She is much better than the first time we knew about her, but she still has a journey to make before she can recover fully. She still lives in a very bad house.
7.And pray as the Spirit shall lead you.
Thank you one and thank you all for your commitment to the ministry of Bethel. May God bless you highly.
Your friend, brother and co-worker
Vincent Munyosi.
I wish you all an amazing 2011. It is my prayer that it will be a year full of blessings and achievements for you all.
The ministry of Bethel is made possible by your support, hard work and participation, and I want to personally thank you very much for that. It’s fair to say that Bethel would not be where it is today without the kindness, hard work and generosity of you our supporters and co-workers in the ministry. Your prayers have refreshed and protected, and donations toward our Bethel programmes have enabled us give people hope.
I took a moment to reflect on the year 2010. It was a year of scarcity, strong opposition, imprisonment, beatings and threats of all kinds; but at the same time we have experienced great achievements, through you and I, God’s work has continued. I have been made aware that I wasn't called to serve alone, that I was called to this ministry with you, and so your strengths are a part of what is offered to God right next to my weaknesses.
Our ministry achievements:
1.We have managed to start 2 church plants. El-Shaddai in Bubetsye started in February 7th 2010 and Emmanuel started in November 2010.
2.Evangelism seminars have been carried out and we have had several Muslims come to Jesus both in Bethel and in the new church plants. There have been a number of baptisms due to that.
3.We have held trainings for Sunday school teachers, leadership, youths in life skills, evangelism, couples, children’s bible clubs teachers and seminars for couples and youths.
4.We have been able to pay school fees for the needy children we are within the church and in our families.
5.We were able to build one shelter for the needy man who was living in a bad condition.
6.Some women who serve in the community were able to go to Tanzania for training in health related issues. They will pass the knowledge to others in the church and community for more to know how they can live better.
7.Vincent and Grace travelled to our partner church in Australia. This was a great achievement and new relationships were established and the old ones were strengthened. Some funding was raised to make the work of the above mentioned achievements possible.
8.Other programmes like Sunday school, bible studies, Alpha, spots, caring for the needy, economic empowerment for the needy, goats given away for the widows, food security, evangelism, bible clubs, literacy class and several others have continued and people have been blessed.
9.Some marginalized people including Florence have started a journey of new hope. There are several testimonies to hear.
Some challenges in 2010:
1.Our Muslim converts have been mistreated by their families. Young people were kicked out of their families and lacked where to go. So they ended up in church members homes. For men their wives and children were taken away from them and they also left their ancestral homes.
2.Some church leaders have been put into jail and some have been physically assaulted.
3.Due to insufficient funds we were not able to build our medical and community centre last year. The satellite church structures were not built.
4.Did not carry out all the leadership trainings as it was intended in the work plan of 2010.
The new year good start:
The year 2011 has started well. We already have good stories of interest.
1.The first one is, Joseph Wogama Khabego got his wife back on Sunday the 2nd. Joseph is one of the Muslim converts who were forced to leave their biological families when they got saved, and in addition to that his wife Alima and children were taken away from him by the Muslim parents. Through the support of members, himself and donors he was able to redeem her back on the 2nd/01/2011. Now they are planning for the wedding and they will live together legally.
2.The second one is, Florence’s husband whom some of you prayed for came to church on the same Sunday 2nd of Jan and thanked the church for the prayers and all the support. His mental problem seems to be getting better. Although he did not confess Jesus as Lord (he is still Muslim) he promised to keep coming to church.
3.On the 15th of the same nonth one of our new church leaders (El-Shaddai pastor) Gorden is going to pay dowry to marry Justine.
4.Martin Muhiyi will introduce [Ed.: similar to an engagement] on the 29th of the same month. Martin is a youth and worship leader in Bethel Church.
5.In January we are going to begin to construct the church building of El-Shaddai, buy land and build Emmanuel church building as well.
6.And in the same month we are going to send 2 of the leaders to Seminary for higher training for pastoral leadership. The 2 are Gorden and Paul.
Prayers:
1.Pray for the rest of the Muslim converts who lost their wives and children due to their conversion to Christianity.
2.Pray that we shall get enough to pay for the needy children’s school fees without fail. The new term is coming soon.
3.Pray that the rest of the marriage bride price arrangements due to take place in this month shall go well, and that we shall have enough to cover everything as far as dowry is concerned/
4.Continue praying for the new ministries: that God will strengthen the leaders.
5.Pray that God will enable us to meet all our objectives in the year 2011. There has to be a new ministry or two during this year.
6.Continue praying for Florence. She is much better than the first time we knew about her, but she still has a journey to make before she can recover fully. She still lives in a very bad house.
7.And pray as the Spirit shall lead you.
Thank you one and thank you all for your commitment to the ministry of Bethel. May God bless you highly.
Your friend, brother and co-worker
Vincent Munyosi.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Bethel Church 16/11/10
Dear partners in ministry and friends,
This is some update on the new work Bethel started this last Sunday. I will attach photos of the work, and some few on Florence’s life change. Her attitude, her behaviours and lifestyle have changed positively. I know you all have prayed for us this way, and we can see God doing great things already.
Bethel took a step of faith yesterday; we went up in Busimba to start a new ministry there. It all went very well. People of the community had gathered together in the classroom waiting for us. When we arrived they warmly welcomed us, which was a great sign that God was with us. We started with Music and then we worshipped. They enjoyed our way of worshipping with freedom and in the known language. After Music I was called to preach. I started with my testimony. Most people older people know my background anyway. My testimony touched so many. Others were a bit teary. Then I shared the goodness of Jesus in my life and i told them that it is the source of my motivation to do the good things they see us doing. Bethel has already been involved in doing social welfare to that community. So people know us as good people. Now they are discovering the source of our love to them.
After I had finished preaching, we decided that we go out in the open and sit down in different places. This was a one on one session. People were free to ask all their questions and at the end we ended up with 14 adults giving their lives to Jesus. There were also some who knew God before but they did not have a strong conviction. They come up and renewed their faith to Jesus.
The total number came to over 20 people. That was so good. After we finished a one on one, prayed for all the people present, then they provided a drink to all members of Bethel. They Decided to give their new church the name Emmanuel. For they said that God is with them. Since there was a gospel in that community in the seventies, there has been no one coming to tell them about Jesus.
There were so many children who also committed their lives to Jesus, but we did not count them as it is tougher for the children. If their parents are Muslims then we shall not want to cause them trouble as we don’t have a place to keep them when their parents kick them out of homes.
We shall be going there every Sunday for at least 4 to 5 weeks, but even in the week days when there is time we shall be going for door to door evangelism. That is what other members have decided to do. We believe that is the birthing of Emmanuel Baptist Church.
Within the district Mooni is known for having the highest percentage of Muslims, Traditional worshippers (people who worship ancestral spirits) and those involved in witchcraft. As a result, highly destructive behaviour such as polygamy, child sacrifice, prostitution (including child commercial sex), early marriages, robbery, drug abuse and alcoholism is common place in Mooni. This has led to large numbers of vulnerable people including orphans, widows, people suffering from HIV/AIDS and children living on streets.
Bethel recognises the need and desires to increase its involvement within the community. We are confident that the most effective way to achieve this would be to introduce new churches throughout Mooni. That is our vision for the next coming 9 -10 year.
Our plan is that we start 10 new churches in 10 years, so each year we aim at starting one. This is the 3rd in three year, including Bethel itself. But ten are shall not be the end. We aim at covering the whole area with Christianity.
Our prayer requests are:
- You pray that God will soften the hearts of the people so that they will turn from other Gods to the true father and creator of the universe. This is the only way they are going to gain their self worth. when people who have lost have know God they gain their hope because God is the giver of hope.
- That other people from different parts of the world shall join us in the work of the harvest. The harvest is in plenty but the labourers are still few. We need is bigger, we needs others who have the same vision to join us.
- That members of Bethel shall keep having courage to reach out for Jesus. The opposition from other faiths is too high. Sometimes people want to quit in fear. I know that fear comes from the devil.
- That God will provide enough resources, transportation and tools to reach out and serve him in the way that will bring glory to him. We need to build shelters for worship; we need a pickup to carry our tools and members. For the distance is long. All these can be achieved through prayers of the saints of God.
- Also pray for me the leader of the ministry. People look at me and my wife all the time, when we lose heart they also lose heart. Pray that God will help us to stand and serve him, and that he will provide for us so that we may continue without worry about what we are going to eat.
I will end by thanking you all for being faithful partners of Bethel. I believe we are accomplishing a lot simply because people pray.
Vinnie
This is some update on the new work Bethel started this last Sunday. I will attach photos of the work, and some few on Florence’s life change. Her attitude, her behaviours and lifestyle have changed positively. I know you all have prayed for us this way, and we can see God doing great things already.
Bethel took a step of faith yesterday; we went up in Busimba to start a new ministry there. It all went very well. People of the community had gathered together in the classroom waiting for us. When we arrived they warmly welcomed us, which was a great sign that God was with us. We started with Music and then we worshipped. They enjoyed our way of worshipping with freedom and in the known language. After Music I was called to preach. I started with my testimony. Most people older people know my background anyway. My testimony touched so many. Others were a bit teary. Then I shared the goodness of Jesus in my life and i told them that it is the source of my motivation to do the good things they see us doing. Bethel has already been involved in doing social welfare to that community. So people know us as good people. Now they are discovering the source of our love to them.
After I had finished preaching, we decided that we go out in the open and sit down in different places. This was a one on one session. People were free to ask all their questions and at the end we ended up with 14 adults giving their lives to Jesus. There were also some who knew God before but they did not have a strong conviction. They come up and renewed their faith to Jesus.
The total number came to over 20 people. That was so good. After we finished a one on one, prayed for all the people present, then they provided a drink to all members of Bethel. They Decided to give their new church the name Emmanuel. For they said that God is with them. Since there was a gospel in that community in the seventies, there has been no one coming to tell them about Jesus.
There were so many children who also committed their lives to Jesus, but we did not count them as it is tougher for the children. If their parents are Muslims then we shall not want to cause them trouble as we don’t have a place to keep them when their parents kick them out of homes.
We shall be going there every Sunday for at least 4 to 5 weeks, but even in the week days when there is time we shall be going for door to door evangelism. That is what other members have decided to do. We believe that is the birthing of Emmanuel Baptist Church.
Within the district Mooni is known for having the highest percentage of Muslims, Traditional worshippers (people who worship ancestral spirits) and those involved in witchcraft. As a result, highly destructive behaviour such as polygamy, child sacrifice, prostitution (including child commercial sex), early marriages, robbery, drug abuse and alcoholism is common place in Mooni. This has led to large numbers of vulnerable people including orphans, widows, people suffering from HIV/AIDS and children living on streets.
Bethel recognises the need and desires to increase its involvement within the community. We are confident that the most effective way to achieve this would be to introduce new churches throughout Mooni. That is our vision for the next coming 9 -10 year.
Our plan is that we start 10 new churches in 10 years, so each year we aim at starting one. This is the 3rd in three year, including Bethel itself. But ten are shall not be the end. We aim at covering the whole area with Christianity.
Our prayer requests are:
- You pray that God will soften the hearts of the people so that they will turn from other Gods to the true father and creator of the universe. This is the only way they are going to gain their self worth. when people who have lost have know God they gain their hope because God is the giver of hope.
- That other people from different parts of the world shall join us in the work of the harvest. The harvest is in plenty but the labourers are still few. We need is bigger, we needs others who have the same vision to join us.
- That members of Bethel shall keep having courage to reach out for Jesus. The opposition from other faiths is too high. Sometimes people want to quit in fear. I know that fear comes from the devil.
- That God will provide enough resources, transportation and tools to reach out and serve him in the way that will bring glory to him. We need to build shelters for worship; we need a pickup to carry our tools and members. For the distance is long. All these can be achieved through prayers of the saints of God.
- Also pray for me the leader of the ministry. People look at me and my wife all the time, when we lose heart they also lose heart. Pray that God will help us to stand and serve him, and that he will provide for us so that we may continue without worry about what we are going to eat.
I will end by thanking you all for being faithful partners of Bethel. I believe we are accomplishing a lot simply because people pray.
Vinnie
Bethel Church 9/11/10 Florence story part 2
Dear Friends,
I am writing to thank you for your prayers for Florence, and to tell you how her life has changed since she shared her story and asked for prayer. God can do great things if we trust and open up to Him.
Florence’s changed life:
Florence stood and testified in church. She shared a powerful testimony and also she had prayed for someone herself who also got deliverance just within that week. She looked very happy and bright. She also had some new clothes on. Somebody in church had given her a cloth. For the whole year no one had done something like that to her, so she felt that it was prayers, as she had not asked anyone for clothes. I do agree with Florence that it is prayers and nothing else.
That was Florence’s first time to stand and say something in public. She had never spoken like that before as she always felt nobody will listen to her. And the first time she looked so nice externally with a new cloth and was shining internally with new freedom and joy in Jesus. She always had one very old dress which some of you saw in the photo. Yesterday she came with another very good traditional cloth and was just radiant both in and out.
Everyone was amazed to see Florence stand up and share a testimony. People knew her as a woman who has no words. She had always been quiet ever since she joined the church. Her life touched people in church.
God answers prayers:
All I saw was God’s answered prayers for Florence. Florence had been in the church for over a year, and no one had given her a cloth. No one knew her story locally but just because she accepted that I can send her story out for people to pray for her, already something has happened. She has got some clothes, she can stand up without fear to speak in public, and she feels some heaviness has left her and she feels very light now.
God bless you all.
Vinnie
I am writing to thank you for your prayers for Florence, and to tell you how her life has changed since she shared her story and asked for prayer. God can do great things if we trust and open up to Him.
Florence’s changed life:
Florence stood and testified in church. She shared a powerful testimony and also she had prayed for someone herself who also got deliverance just within that week. She looked very happy and bright. She also had some new clothes on. Somebody in church had given her a cloth. For the whole year no one had done something like that to her, so she felt that it was prayers, as she had not asked anyone for clothes. I do agree with Florence that it is prayers and nothing else.
That was Florence’s first time to stand and say something in public. She had never spoken like that before as she always felt nobody will listen to her. And the first time she looked so nice externally with a new cloth and was shining internally with new freedom and joy in Jesus. She always had one very old dress which some of you saw in the photo. Yesterday she came with another very good traditional cloth and was just radiant both in and out.
Everyone was amazed to see Florence stand up and share a testimony. People knew her as a woman who has no words. She had always been quiet ever since she joined the church. Her life touched people in church.
God answers prayers:
All I saw was God’s answered prayers for Florence. Florence had been in the church for over a year, and no one had given her a cloth. No one knew her story locally but just because she accepted that I can send her story out for people to pray for her, already something has happened. She has got some clothes, she can stand up without fear to speak in public, and she feels some heaviness has left her and she feels very light now.
God bless you all.
Vinnie
Bethel Church 28/10/10 Florence story part 1
Dearest friends,
Greetings to you in the name of Jesus our Lord. I hope this finds you all in good shape.
I am writing this to request for your prayers for a woman called Florence and her family. Florence has been a member of our church for a year now, and not so many knew her story until this morning. Her brother has just died and the burial was on Thursday last week. Florence came to me asking if we could give some money towards the burial and this is when she shared her story.
Some people have faced harder trials than others; Florence seems to be one such person.
Florence’s story:
The first born of the five, Florence was born to a crippled mother and an older father. Both parents died when she was about 8 years old and the 3 sisters and brother were much younger. The parents did not have any well known relatives, so Florence and her siblings were, (as we call them in Africa) in a child headed family; where a child is the carer for the other siblings.
The Catholic Church came in a tried to assist by putting some of the children into school. Because life was tough, Florence tried to look for work in order to help her young siblings. She was then deceived by a man who pretended that he was giving her work. He ended up raping her many times at the age of 10.
As a means for security for her and her siblings, Florence decided to marry that man later that year (still aged 10). Four years later, at the age of 14 she gave birth to her first born. Things did not go well with this man and she ran away from him.
The man Florence married next was good to her, but soon after that he became mentally unstable. Despite this, they still live together. However, due to his instability, this man regularly rapes her, even in front of her children. He comes in the night, knocks the door down and breaks in just to rape her. She has given birth to 18 children, which include twins twice. 11 of them are dead. She has 6 living children and one other that has just gone missing.
Florence’s Sisters:
Two of Florence’s sisters were also deceived in a similar way, again at a very young age. A local witch doctor took the girls in as workers but then he also abused them sexually, one at 11years and the other only 9 years old. The old man took them as his wives. (Polygamous relationships are common here) and disappeared with the two girls to Kenya. No one knows where the sisters are and what they are doing now; whether they are alive or if they have had children.
A few years ago, the third sister was married nearby. In 2009 she had a quarrel with the husband and he killed her by decapitation. The man was arrested but Florence does not know whether he is still in jail or not. Florence came back with the late sister’s baby who was five month. The baby died a month later for poor nutrition. She still does not know the condition of their remaining children.
I ask Florence why she did not share about her life story with us before, she turned to me and said ‘’pastor, everyone I tried to share this with never listened. People think I share this so I can get money. The last time I shared with someone who seemed to be a friend, instead of her praying she went and told people in a trading centre. It was so embarrassing to hear people telling me that I am being raped by my mental husband. But because you are listening, that is why i have opened up’’
Florence’s brother:
The only sibling remaining was Florence’s brother who caught HIV/AIDS some years back. When his condition deteriorated he moved in to stay with Florence in her dilapidated house. She has been taking care of him for months now, but even the church did not know, we only found out last week when Florence came to ask if I would pray for the brother. That is how resilient Florence has been.
The brother and I talked for some time and he confessed Jesus as Lord and saviour.
Last Wednesday, he died in Florence’s hands. The burial was on Thursday. The Bethel church was the only relative Florence had at the burial.
Women had visited Florence before and had reported that her house is so bad, also she never asked for any help.
About child birth:
Birth Control is something still quite foreign to those living in the rural communities. Grace has been talking to Florence about it as until now she has not accepted to take something to control or prevent child birth. However, she is now open to the idea and has committed that they will go to a clinic to take the necessary measures.
My time with Florence:
It was a very emotional moment listening to this woman. She made me realize how blessed I am. Looking at the house she stays in, and how she feeds her children and mad husband was so very humbling. And yet she had decided not to share her life with anybody because other did not listen, or just embarrassed her in places she did not want people to know about it. Also hearing that her mad husband just comes in at any time of the day and infront of children to rape, yet people of the community near by just ignore. And this does not seem to have a quick solution. So hard friends.
Prayer request:
Pray as the Spirit leads you.
The key things to pray for are:
1. Their family home which is in very bad condition; broken down and unstable.
2. Florence’s husband’s mental state is getting worse every day and they have no medication to ease the symptoms.
3. They have little food, no clothes, no school fees and no medical support.
4. That any children from the extended family are cared for and protected sufficiently.
This is the story of Florence. It’s hard to explain, but it is her story.
Below are the photos of Florence, one in her house and another outside her house.
May God bless you all friends.
Vinnie
Greetings to you in the name of Jesus our Lord. I hope this finds you all in good shape.
I am writing this to request for your prayers for a woman called Florence and her family. Florence has been a member of our church for a year now, and not so many knew her story until this morning. Her brother has just died and the burial was on Thursday last week. Florence came to me asking if we could give some money towards the burial and this is when she shared her story.
Some people have faced harder trials than others; Florence seems to be one such person.
Florence’s story:
The first born of the five, Florence was born to a crippled mother and an older father. Both parents died when she was about 8 years old and the 3 sisters and brother were much younger. The parents did not have any well known relatives, so Florence and her siblings were, (as we call them in Africa) in a child headed family; where a child is the carer for the other siblings.
The Catholic Church came in a tried to assist by putting some of the children into school. Because life was tough, Florence tried to look for work in order to help her young siblings. She was then deceived by a man who pretended that he was giving her work. He ended up raping her many times at the age of 10.
As a means for security for her and her siblings, Florence decided to marry that man later that year (still aged 10). Four years later, at the age of 14 she gave birth to her first born. Things did not go well with this man and she ran away from him.
The man Florence married next was good to her, but soon after that he became mentally unstable. Despite this, they still live together. However, due to his instability, this man regularly rapes her, even in front of her children. He comes in the night, knocks the door down and breaks in just to rape her. She has given birth to 18 children, which include twins twice. 11 of them are dead. She has 6 living children and one other that has just gone missing.
Florence’s Sisters:
Two of Florence’s sisters were also deceived in a similar way, again at a very young age. A local witch doctor took the girls in as workers but then he also abused them sexually, one at 11years and the other only 9 years old. The old man took them as his wives. (Polygamous relationships are common here) and disappeared with the two girls to Kenya. No one knows where the sisters are and what they are doing now; whether they are alive or if they have had children.
A few years ago, the third sister was married nearby. In 2009 she had a quarrel with the husband and he killed her by decapitation. The man was arrested but Florence does not know whether he is still in jail or not. Florence came back with the late sister’s baby who was five month. The baby died a month later for poor nutrition. She still does not know the condition of their remaining children.
I ask Florence why she did not share about her life story with us before, she turned to me and said ‘’pastor, everyone I tried to share this with never listened. People think I share this so I can get money. The last time I shared with someone who seemed to be a friend, instead of her praying she went and told people in a trading centre. It was so embarrassing to hear people telling me that I am being raped by my mental husband. But because you are listening, that is why i have opened up’’
Florence’s brother:
The only sibling remaining was Florence’s brother who caught HIV/AIDS some years back. When his condition deteriorated he moved in to stay with Florence in her dilapidated house. She has been taking care of him for months now, but even the church did not know, we only found out last week when Florence came to ask if I would pray for the brother. That is how resilient Florence has been.
The brother and I talked for some time and he confessed Jesus as Lord and saviour.
Last Wednesday, he died in Florence’s hands. The burial was on Thursday. The Bethel church was the only relative Florence had at the burial.
Women had visited Florence before and had reported that her house is so bad, also she never asked for any help.
About child birth:
Birth Control is something still quite foreign to those living in the rural communities. Grace has been talking to Florence about it as until now she has not accepted to take something to control or prevent child birth. However, she is now open to the idea and has committed that they will go to a clinic to take the necessary measures.
My time with Florence:
It was a very emotional moment listening to this woman. She made me realize how blessed I am. Looking at the house she stays in, and how she feeds her children and mad husband was so very humbling. And yet she had decided not to share her life with anybody because other did not listen, or just embarrassed her in places she did not want people to know about it. Also hearing that her mad husband just comes in at any time of the day and infront of children to rape, yet people of the community near by just ignore. And this does not seem to have a quick solution. So hard friends.
Prayer request:
Pray as the Spirit leads you.
The key things to pray for are:
1. Their family home which is in very bad condition; broken down and unstable.
2. Florence’s husband’s mental state is getting worse every day and they have no medication to ease the symptoms.
3. They have little food, no clothes, no school fees and no medical support.
4. That any children from the extended family are cared for and protected sufficiently.
This is the story of Florence. It’s hard to explain, but it is her story.
Below are the photos of Florence, one in her house and another outside her house.
May God bless you all friends.
Vinnie
October 10
Hello, so nice to hear from you. All here is nice too. Still thinking about Australia a lot. For prayer request, It will be good to pray for the new church start. In our work plan we had planned to start a church this Month on the third, that deadline was not met because of two things; to support the person who will run it, and also that we have not yet put the church in Bubetsye in a good shape. The temporary building they have is become so small as people stand out, it worried the leaders that we may end doing so much to soon with so many. So pray for God's wisdon and courage in the Bethel leadership's hearts.
Will soon tell you about the new marriages coming up soon. We have two of our leaders now ready to take a step now that we have some funding you guys put together.
Thank you so much for all your support.
Vinnie
Will soon tell you about the new marriages coming up soon. We have two of our leaders now ready to take a step now that we have some funding you guys put together.
Thank you so much for all your support.
Vinnie
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Bethel Church 2/10/10
Oct 2
Dear friends and partners in God’s service,
I greet you all in the name of Jesus our Lord. I hope this finds you all doing well.Grace and I still thank you for your warmest welcome to your country. You all were good spoilers to us and we still have those great memories of your good country and the things we did together. So thank you for being such great friends. Ian and Tash thank you for being our first link to your good country, church and people. And thank you for still being such good friends. We have not written much this time;
but that is because we are also recovering from that great journey of ours. So know as you are recovering from running with us, we are also recovering from running with you. Again that journey has never left us the same. It has made very nice prints on our hearts. Now we have a lot of good things we have learnt from you guys and we shall always treasure them, but in the same time there is a lot we appreciate from our side that we did not appreciate before. So every where there is both good and bad. That is what we have learnt. There is a lot to throw and a lot to retain and probably share with other. I am just being wordy, but my main reason of writing today was to share with you about the stories got today.
One is about one of the church enemies before, and today he was again repenting before so many that he has been wrong, that the church is a good thing. Some of you have heard the story of the chairman LC2 of Mooni. If you did not know, this man’s wife got saved a while ago, and he sent her away with a beating and she left everything including her children. The devil is punishing the man so much. Today one of his yesterday one of his children died, and he has lost several in his family lately, his life has been sickly and a few other problems like the children fighting with his wives as well as his wives fighting each other and him. The members of the church attended the burial and assisted with every work and gave some financial support. He was overwhelmed with the love the church people gave him, he took one our repenting for every bad act he did to the church and to his wife before. He has not confessed Jesus as Lord yet, but he told people that he is considering it. we still don’t know God’s timing but we know he is on the way, and already spreading the good news of Jesus. Keep praying for him. His name if Issa, which is translated that Jesus in Arabic.
The next story is about a woman I met on the way bleeding. On the way down from the burial of the LC2’s child I got a woman crying and seeming very helpless. I asked why she was bleeding. All other women and people gathered told me that it was her fault. That she knew that her husband is Muslim but she choose to become Christian in his absence. (this is not in any of our churches). I still insisted that she tells me herself, which she did. She told me that her husband is a soldier and had left her in the house for over two years. That one time her young child became very ill, she did not have food in the house and no money on her for treatment, but when she took her child to the hospital she met some Christians who prayed for her child as the Doctors were not helping because she did not have the money (we pay for every treatment we get, so when people don’t have money they suffer). And when those Christians prayed, her child got healed immediately. From that day she confessed Jesus as Lord and saviour. When her husband came back she did not fear to tell him that she chose to take Jesus. He did not wait but started beating her and forcing her out of the home. She does not have family as her parents died a while ago in the battle, so where she is are the only relatives she had as she explained( I did not know the woman before).
I drove her to police right away, and the police acted there and then. They have got the man and have asked him to put her into hospital. Now she is on treatment and the man is in jail as we talk.
Other women in the neighbourhood who were shouting that she is wrong changed their shout immediately, by the time he was taken they were saying that take him, he is bad, let other men know that we have a voice, and now we have learnt where to go when we are treated badly. I mean I laughed.
For your information this is not new. Women in my community have been told that they have no choice and no voice, it is the men who can make every choices, theirs is to obey what men tell them.
They even don’t know that when you are beaten you can go to police and police shall help. So now some know where to run when battered.
Many people live in fear of being rejected if the change to Christianity. Some confess Jesus but they remain silent, so it becomes like the cheep living in the same pen with wolves. So it is the sheep to put on the skin of the wolf. Pray that there will be freedom of the women to choose the faith they want.
That is for today my friends. Know the struggle still continue, and you can pass the storied to others for prayers.
God bless you all.
Vinnie
Dear friends and partners in God’s service,
I greet you all in the name of Jesus our Lord. I hope this finds you all doing well.Grace and I still thank you for your warmest welcome to your country. You all were good spoilers to us and we still have those great memories of your good country and the things we did together. So thank you for being such great friends. Ian and Tash thank you for being our first link to your good country, church and people. And thank you for still being such good friends. We have not written much this time;
but that is because we are also recovering from that great journey of ours. So know as you are recovering from running with us, we are also recovering from running with you. Again that journey has never left us the same. It has made very nice prints on our hearts. Now we have a lot of good things we have learnt from you guys and we shall always treasure them, but in the same time there is a lot we appreciate from our side that we did not appreciate before. So every where there is both good and bad. That is what we have learnt. There is a lot to throw and a lot to retain and probably share with other. I am just being wordy, but my main reason of writing today was to share with you about the stories got today.
One is about one of the church enemies before, and today he was again repenting before so many that he has been wrong, that the church is a good thing. Some of you have heard the story of the chairman LC2 of Mooni. If you did not know, this man’s wife got saved a while ago, and he sent her away with a beating and she left everything including her children. The devil is punishing the man so much. Today one of his yesterday one of his children died, and he has lost several in his family lately, his life has been sickly and a few other problems like the children fighting with his wives as well as his wives fighting each other and him. The members of the church attended the burial and assisted with every work and gave some financial support. He was overwhelmed with the love the church people gave him, he took one our repenting for every bad act he did to the church and to his wife before. He has not confessed Jesus as Lord yet, but he told people that he is considering it. we still don’t know God’s timing but we know he is on the way, and already spreading the good news of Jesus. Keep praying for him. His name if Issa, which is translated that Jesus in Arabic.
The next story is about a woman I met on the way bleeding. On the way down from the burial of the LC2’s child I got a woman crying and seeming very helpless. I asked why she was bleeding. All other women and people gathered told me that it was her fault. That she knew that her husband is Muslim but she choose to become Christian in his absence. (this is not in any of our churches). I still insisted that she tells me herself, which she did. She told me that her husband is a soldier and had left her in the house for over two years. That one time her young child became very ill, she did not have food in the house and no money on her for treatment, but when she took her child to the hospital she met some Christians who prayed for her child as the Doctors were not helping because she did not have the money (we pay for every treatment we get, so when people don’t have money they suffer). And when those Christians prayed, her child got healed immediately. From that day she confessed Jesus as Lord and saviour. When her husband came back she did not fear to tell him that she chose to take Jesus. He did not wait but started beating her and forcing her out of the home. She does not have family as her parents died a while ago in the battle, so where she is are the only relatives she had as she explained( I did not know the woman before).
I drove her to police right away, and the police acted there and then. They have got the man and have asked him to put her into hospital. Now she is on treatment and the man is in jail as we talk.
Other women in the neighbourhood who were shouting that she is wrong changed their shout immediately, by the time he was taken they were saying that take him, he is bad, let other men know that we have a voice, and now we have learnt where to go when we are treated badly. I mean I laughed.
For your information this is not new. Women in my community have been told that they have no choice and no voice, it is the men who can make every choices, theirs is to obey what men tell them.
They even don’t know that when you are beaten you can go to police and police shall help. So now some know where to run when battered.
Many people live in fear of being rejected if the change to Christianity. Some confess Jesus but they remain silent, so it becomes like the cheep living in the same pen with wolves. So it is the sheep to put on the skin of the wolf. Pray that there will be freedom of the women to choose the faith they want.
That is for today my friends. Know the struggle still continue, and you can pass the storied to others for prayers.
God bless you all.
Vinnie
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