Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Colorful Lessons


I watch them draw with unexpected abandon.  Quietly putting color on blank paper, transforming thoughts to images, their resolute expressions speak strong. They are absorbed in the process of creating.  Regardless of the lack of experience with paints and brushes and crayons and markers, their determination to share testimonies of who Christ is compels them.  As always, I ask permission to taking pictures and tell their stories. What I hear humbles my heart.


 



Josephine’s husband died, leaving her to raise two children without support from extended family. She sells vegetables:

“My life is like this tree. Some parts have color. Some do not. If I am deep rooted in Jesus. He can grow sweet fruit like mango to share.”


 

Christine, a member from the church who helps at WOW.

“Life has many storms. Jesus can make those storms useful in our lives and the lives of others.”


 

Jackie, a widow with two children who used to sell glue to street boys but now works as a cook at a street boy ministry.

“The same, same sun is like Jesus. He brings light, makes us warm, grows food. Yes. All this comes from Jesus. Who are we not to worship Him?” Can you make food grow or bring light?”


Simple representations of foundational truths.  Sometimes life becomes so complicated we forget God always provides our needs. We run away from stormy times instead of letting them be funneled through Jesus, our Source of redemption. Good fruit grows when our roots go deep in Him.



Three years ago when I first began meeting with these women - victims of severe neglect, abuses and corruption, I sincerely wondered if change would really happen. Now after time spent building relationships, I’ve seen a change happen in all of us, especially me.



I’ve learned that my story is always part of a bigger one that God is writing.  In this chapter He molds my weakness to strength among Kenyan mamas and He bonds them together in service for others. Their colorful pictures reveal genuine faith and mine is challenged.

This group of mamas have come so far. Each one has a business they use not only to earn money for living but as platforms to share their testimonies of Jesus amazing grace. Their new group venture? Work together to form a catering service called 
"Fruitful Service - serving you with fruits of God's spirit."
If you would like to help them with capital to purchase items necessary to develop their service, please donate through paypal on the side bar.

Also, please keep our adoption process in your prayers.
Thanks for your prayers, support and encouragement.
hugs from the haugers Ooo0o