A story of loss and new hope
After all, memories of the devastating Ebola outbreak which killed eight people in her village are still fresh within the small community of forty-two families. One of the eight was her husband, whom she loved dearly.
Despite this, she is thrilled by the visit of one of our local church partners who came to help them grow more food to lessen their poverty.
Before EFSL arrived in the village, their primary source of income was growing and processing palm oil. “If too many people were selling it, the prices went down, and we all suffered,” Fatu recalls.
The local church stepped in to help the community grow numerous kinds of new market crops. Not only have people improved their economic situation, the church also helped restore relationships within the community.
Fatu explains, “Before our training, we gossiped a lot. We were jealous of each other. Now, everybody helps each other.”
Through their service and support, EFSL shared the love of Christ in a powerful way. In fact, we are excited to share that the community leader, an ex-military officer, asked if a church could be started in the community!
Fatu may have lost her husband, but she rejoices when she thinks of the hope that has arrived.
Once a roadside beggar in Ethiopia, Aselefech had lost everything—her husband, business, and home. Through Tearfund’s Church and Community Transformation program, her local church built her a house, provided food, and helped her start a business. Today, she earns an income, her children are clothed and fed, and hope has returned.
In drought-prone Tanzania, Beatrice Zakayo long felt powerless against poverty and poor harvests. But when she joined a Village Savings and Loans group through her church, she discovered new farming techniques and a supportive community. Her harvests multiplied, her family gained food security, and she even bought a cow. Today, Beatrice is now an equal decision-maker in her home!
Takes place on Zoom, on the third Thursday of each month at 8:00 pm (EST)
