StoriesBy Jen Price
I first met Petros the end of last year. He usually sat by himself, not wanting to be comforted, only to sit...and shed tears. With his mother already passed away and his father very ill, this little boy had much to be sad about. Originally from Mozambique, his father brought him to S. Africa and left him with our local friend, Victoria, in Mbonisweni. His plan was to go back to Mozambique and come fetch his little son later. Now almost a year later, the father has never returned. Passed away also? Maybe. Working to save up money to come get Petros? Hopefully.
Life hasn't been easy for Petros. Before coming to Victoria, he rarely received regular meals. Now when I see this 6 year old, I see smiles that have been replaced by frowns. I see a boy who has had to deal with being abandoned by everyone and everything that seemed familiar around him. To learn a new language to even be able to speak to other kids his age. And to live with a family who wasn't his own.
Please pray for Petros. I can't even imagine what might go through a child's mind when he is left by his father. Hoping one day he will return, but as days go by, those hopes diminish ever so slightly until one day you just forget. By the goodness of God, he is being cared for and eating regular meals, but I think we must also pray for his spiritual and emotional health as well. That he would know that there is a Father in heaven who would never abandon him. Petros means rock. Pray that he will stand on the solid rock...
By Jen Price
Beautiful smile, beautiful face, sweet sweet spirit. Those are some of the words I would use to describe Nandi. She lives in another community, 30 minutes by car, yet by the grace of God, ended up in Mama V's home. Her story is heartbreaking, especially knowing she is a young girl who hasn't even reached the teen years.
Her mom worked the streets in prostitution in an effort to provide for her family as a single parent. Unfortunately this decision will prove fatal for her as she has contracted HIV and is getting sicker and sicker. With Nandi's mom too sick to get out of bed and no food in the house, Nandi also took to the streets to find food. I shudder to think of what this young girl might have gone through just to fill an empty stomach.
With Nandi's mom in the hospital, and no one to care for her, Victoria took her in. Some days, when I go to Mbonisweni, Nandi is so content to just sit in someone's lap and feel a warm touch or loving arms embracing her. She is desperate for a parent's love.
Every once in a while, Nandi takes a taxi to go and visit her mom. This causes much worry to Mama V, especially when she is gone for days and days. But what young girl wouldn't want to go and see her mom? Please pray for her. Pray that God would protect her when she goes to visit her mom. She is there right now and has been gone for many days. No one has been able to get a hold of her mom. Pray for Nandi's siblings, wherever they may be, that they would experience the love of God. Pray that Nandi would find her comfort, peace, and joy in Jesus.
By Keri Dodge:
“At the beginning of the year, we hosted YWAM Orlando's Compassion DTS outreach team. They raised the funds to build a house for a family in Mbonosweni. With Victoria's assistance (our local coordinator), a family was chosen which consisted of a gogo (or grandmother) named Ema, who works as a domestic worker. She is raising her two grandchildren- Zanele (grade 8) is stunningly beautiful and Xolane (grade 1) is a young boy full of energy. Zanele and Xolane lost both of their parents and have been living in a shack with their grandmother since 2007. This one room shack leaked every time it rained, filling it with water. Victoria and her other caregivers have been checking on these children often and knew they were in need of a proper home!
Ema's family is very grateful to have a new home, which was a joint effort between Ten Thousand Homes and YWAM Orlando. The YWAM team also blessed the family with a new stove top and extra food. Melissa Burnett's mother made pretty curtains to be hung in their house.
What a privilege the Lord gives us to be HIS hands and feet. Thank you to YWAM Orlando and everyone involved for helping us reach our goal of creating HOME for Africa's orphans!”
Please join us in praying for Ema, Zanele, and Xolane-that this physical home that was built will be a constant reminder to them that God desires to be their refuge and place of shelter.
|
|
 
|
