Tuesday, August 25, 2009

More Interviews


It never ceases to amaze me how people at Faith Alive live so positively even though they suffer. Truly, their strength can only come from God because no human power can transform such hardships into genuine joy and praise.

Daniel is a hardworking, professional, and jovial staff member. As Store Manager, he ensures that all non-medical goods are received, stored, and dispersed appropriately. His office is always crowded with people stopping by. They say they want something from the store, but I think it’s because he’s always smiling and encouraging others. Nobody sees the callouses on his knees from praying incessantly for his charming three year old son Chris. Named after Dr. Chris, he desperately needs surgery to repair the hole in his heart. Please pray that our current attempts to secure a hospital and doctor to donate their services and provide airfare will be successful. Without surgery little Chris will most likely not live into his second decade.

‘Grace’ is a beautiful, joyful, and caring mother of two children who has graduated from a skills-training class at Faith Alive and now runs her own shop. Because of stigma, she’s asked that her name not be used (but those of you who’ve been here know her real name!). At 14, her stepmother beat and locked her in a room for two weeks prior to an arranged marriage to a 31 year old man. His AIDS complications later left her widowed while her mother and father-in-law kept the children and chased her away (children belong to their father’s family here in Nigeria). Desperate and also HIV+, she came to Faith Alive for help. Dr. Chris was a father to her, giving her housing and even begging the in-laws to help her. They refused. So she had to smuggle her children who now live where they belong – with their mother. By God’s grace, she has forgiven her in-laws and now even sends them some of her earnings.

2 comments:

  1. Please send 'Grace' our love.

    Love you, Mom.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Will do! Also, happy belated birthday to James -- I love you both!

    ReplyDelete