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.
In southern India, a landslide destroyed Usman’s home, livelihood, and community. Forced to start over, he had no tools to continue his carpentry work—until EFICOR provided him with a drilling machine and cutter. Now, nail by nail, Usman is rebuilding his life and providing for his family again.
In Mkoyo, Tanzania, Ayoub and Pelice once saw no future beyond farming struggles. Through a church-led VSL group, they gained skills to launch a motorcycle repair shop, grow their farm, and buy livestock. Now, in their early twenties, they inspire other young people to pursue hope-filled futures.
Takes place on Zoom, on the third Thursday of each month at 8:00 pm (EST)
