Last Saturday, I had a special opportunity to visit an ALARM micro-finance project in Ngomongo. This is one of the many slums in Nairobi and it is so very hard to put into words the immense and desperate poverty of the area. The wonderful women touched by this project, who call themselves “Women of Faith”, greeted us at the car when we arrived. Each lady paired themselves with one of the visitors as a form of protection as we walked hand in hand through the slum. So, with Lucy’s hand in mine, I experienced this new level of poverty I have never witnessed before.
While walking through the alleys, it was difficult to comprehend how the residents are living with the absolute bare minimum: sewage in the alleys and the smell infiltrating the air, standing water where insects bred and diseases spread, no clean water, very little food and tiny, dilapidated homes. The conditions cannot be described in words. While visiting, we were invited into a home where a mother and 8 children live, cook, eat, sleep, etc. all in a space as big (or as small depending on how you view it) as the size of some of the walk-in closets in the US. They move their one table out of the way at night and lay a mattress on the floor for sleeping. Even though it seemed like very little to us as we took in the surroundings, the better than average condition of her home was revealed on her face. She stood with strength and confidence and a sense of gratitude for what she had acquired. The loan, her new business and the bond her and the other women have created has shined a light into her life. She shared with us that not only is she able to better provide for her family, but she is now able to send her children to school. She was excited to have us visit and the women as a whole were overjoyed and welcomed us to their community.
After visiting one of the woman’s tailoring shop, which is a small wood structure with a metal roof and 2 sowing tables, we walked to their church where we heard several of the women’s testimonies. Hearing firsthand how this small loan has had such a tremendous impact on their lives was uplifting, eye-opening and truly humbling. The group started with 15 women and has increased to 35 women over the past few years. They meet once a week for bible study and fellowship, along with a business meeting to hold one another accountable. They have united as a family and long to see one another succeed, in turn, supporting and encouraging one another through their personal hardships and struggles. They lean on each other and have found a sense of self-worth they did not have prior to starting their business. One lady shared that this was the first time she had ever voted (she is now 46 years old). She had always felt worthless and insignificant, never bothering to get an identification card, but now she is empowered and knows that she is an individual of much importance. She has realized that she does have a voice and deserves the same rights as other individuals. This increased sense of self-worth has been felt among all of the women and has given them the confidence, desire and drive to make a better life for themselves and their families.
I have seen firsthand, how this particular micro-finance project has truly changed the lives and mentality of these special women. During our time in their church, the women did not once complain about their situation nor say anything negative about their living conditions. They were incredibly humble and thankful for the opportunity that they have been provided. Toward the end of the gathering, they did voice their one desire...and that was their need for Bibles. This absolutely took my breath away! I was amazed by their heartfelt desire to learn more of the Lord’s word. Out of all things they need, what they are currently living without and the hardships they encounter on a daily basis, to hear their biggest desire is to have access to God’s word was just incredible. These women hunger to know more about God and have come to realize He does provide. Each time a woman spoke she praised God and gave thanks and praise to the One who is the maker of all! Women of Faith is a perfectly chosen name for these women who day by day are living and growing in their faith. No matter the hardships, they are persevering.
“Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”
~ Psalm 62:8
