One Mother's Story
A true story from some time in the past few years...
When Hannah first showed up at Divine Farm's Womens' Group, it was obvious to the ladies that life had been tough on Hannah, really tough even in a world that was often harsh for women. She was disheveled and was wearing shoes that didn't match. Her five children looked even sadder. The walk of several miles to reach Divine Farm hadn't helped. Hot and hungry, she was searching for a place of hope mentioned by some ladies in her village. Such was her appearance and countenance that the ladies of the group were afraid that she might be an unstable person and felt fear along with their compassion. Christ's love in their hearts for all of God's children won out over their fear and they welcomed her and asked to hear her story and how they could be of help.
A true story, the present...
A crowd of exuberant, beautiful ladies outside of Divine Church are singing and praising God for the first post-Covid visit from two of their American sisters, myself and Margaret Showalter. Near the front of the group were three ladies dressed in beautiful blue African dresses leading the group. We all made our way into the sanctuary and were treated to more wonderful music, singing, and dances of joy. There were heart-wrenching testimonies of God's power of healing and redemption, a show of wonderful tailoring and crafts these women had made to support their families and help pay for school fees, and even two pointedly instructive but hilarious skits taken from the Bible. (Ugandans have a wonderful sense of humor and fun). While we were taking everything in, Phoebe leaned over and whispered to Margaret and me, "Do you see the lady with the short hair in the blue dress? I have a story to share with you when I can." At the first opportunity, we listened intently as Phoebe shared the story of Hannah.
Because of the love of Christ generously showered by his disciples in the Women's Group at Divine Church on Hannah, she had become a cherished member of the group. Under that disheveled exterior was a bright and talented lady who desperately wanted to care properly for her family. She had made those beautiful blue dresses for herself and her friends. She has become the guiding light for the informal tailoring school that is part of the Women's Ministry of DCM. Her handsome son was helping to run the sound for our celebration, obviously well-fed and educated. Life had so beaten her down, that no one could have guessed that she was a trained tailor. She now owns her own shop in the town center of her village and supports her large family by making beautiful things for others. In the African way, the lawn in front of her shop is piled high with matched pairs of shoes to sell! She has been heard to say that the Lord has provided enough shoes that she could wear a different pair every day! God loves, saves, and transforms! Praise God!!!!!!!
A smiling Hannah standing proudly in front of her tailoring shop.
Author's note: There are many "Hannahs" in Uganda because of the willingness of Divine Care Ministries and its partners (you!) to answer God's call to love and care for all of his children.
May God richly bless you all!
Mary Cay Koen