AND THIS IS OUR PRAYER FOR OUR GIRLS:
"That your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,
so that you may be able to discern what is best
and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ,
filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ--
to the glory and praise of God."
Philippians 1: 9-11

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

VIOLET'S STORY


The beginning of March saw an agreement signed by the political leaders in Kenya, and a lessening of tensions in the country. In Faith House, all the girls have returned safely from their upcountry extended families and are back in their schools. Violet was our last girl to return.

During one of the evening devotions after all the the girls were safely home, Gretchen asked them to share what God had been teaching them during their time away. Violet's story was sobering but surprising in many ways. Violet is Luo. Her home is Kisumu in western Kenya, a town which saw much violence and hostility during the post-election upheavals. Most of the time Violet simply stayed inside, not daring to be on the streets. But one day she had to go out, to the market, to buy food for her family. The people in that town had developed the practice of carrying photographs of one of the candidates for president to prove that they were Luo and were supportive of the Luo candidate, something like Jews being required to wear yellow stars during WWII, except that these photos were for self-protection in a volatile environment. Violet did not have the photo and was immediately surrounded by people demanding to know where her paper was and who she supported. Failure to prove her loyalty could have meant physical attack or even death. But in the face of the mob, Violet told the angry accusers that she was Luo and it didn't matter who she supported because God knew and He was in control, and she didn't care if they beat her or not. She reported that one guy did hit her but a group of mamas were there, surrounding her, telling the men to stop because Violet was right.

The Lord's hand was certainly seen in His amazing protection, but He was also seen in the courage He gave Violet. She has struggled with telling the truth, especially when truth means confrontation. It has been so much easier to make up a story that keeps her from having to face difficult situations. Not this time. This time she faced attackers and spoke the truth and trusted God, no matter what the outcome.

We sometimes wonder if there is growth in our girls. And occasionally the Lord gives us glimpses of what He is doing in their lives.
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2 comments:

fb said...

What a fantastic experience for Violet to look back on in future difficult times, and recall how God protected her. I pray this will increase her faith more and more. It seems as though God has a work for this girl to do.

March 22, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Anonymous said...

I'm one of the girls in the Youth Group that made cards for your girls-- they should arrive some time next week. Its amazing to hear of other people affected by Him around the world, daily, and at all times of the day. I know that all of us here, in Stuttgart, will continue to pray for your girls, and i will add Violet to my list as well. Stay strong and safe, trust him with your life.

God Bless,
Rachael

July 20, 2008 at 12:10 PM

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WHAT IS FAITH HOUSE MINISTRIES?

How do we explain what Faith House is? It's a safe house, a shelter, a home, so much more than a building . . . Faith House is a Christian ministry designed to be family for African young women who have not known peaceful home situations, and to provide opportunities for education and training for these young women, who would, in many cases, be struggling to survive.

As in ideal families, Faith House seeks to provide a setting in which the young women are nurtured and encouraged to develop their full potential. In a home environment, they learn family dynamics, receiving training and encouragement to live together at peace and to solve problems with creativity and forgiveness. They are valued and learn the value and dignity of individuals. They are treated with respect and learn to treat others with respect. They see honesty, stewardship and gracious manners modeled, and are trained to make such values a part of their lives.

The young women who are a part of the Faith House Ministries are given opportunities to continue with academic and/or vocational training according to their individual gifts and interests. In some cases, the education will include provision of boarding school and perhaps even university education.

Faith House Ministries seeks to invest in the lives of African young women in such a way that they will become self-sufficient contributors to the welfare of their families, their communities and their country.