Every Single One

 

This is Kitty Kalunga. I met her in Serenje in October 2010, when Val Cottee and I spoke at a women's conference, teaching about the fruits of the Holy Spirit. She is a Pastors wife, and was one of the wonderful women that had sacrificed in time and responsibilities, in order to attend the conference. Mrs Mutala had been speaking about the strength of the women and how hard they worked for their families and children. In fact, as I recorded in my notebook at the time " Leah was fantastic - in response to our request to "bring a greeting", she pretty much exploded into the room like a hand grenade"! She was speaking vision for the girls dormitory that the community had decided they needed to build, encouraging the women that "for my children's children I must give some money by faith". Mrs Kalunga was the first woman to pledge a gift for the dormitory that day, and it was so moving to watch many other women also then walk forward to give a financial gift - women who have very little. Together they gave 122,000 kwacha as a "First Seed", believing that the dormitory would one day become a reality, enabling their own teenage daughters to safely continue and complete their education.

Since then of course, many others have contributed to the Dormitory - known as "Project 125" that so many Bracknell teenagers and many others have been a part of, finding many creative ways to get involved and raise money. It's seemed a long time to wait, but we're hopeful that this week, the building work will start.

Every time we have visited Serenje, we have visited the site of the proposed dormitory, walked around the field and seen the plans. It's so exciting to think that there will be a building there, and that because of that, 100 girls will safely live and complete their education - it's always about the people.

Today I'm thinking about the individuals - each individual, who like Kitty has given money for the dormitory; and each individual girl who will live in the dormitory. Each plays their part, each is a part of the bigger picture. Today I'm thanking God and praying for His blessing on every single one of the givers and recipients (as well as praying for the contractors and builders!)

God is good!

Ephesians 3:20- God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

Serenje women (Farmers, Pastors wives, Community Leaders, Mothers) at the conference

Isn't this a beautiful picture of friendship?