Dear Friends,
As I speak about the ministry, I’m often asked, “How did she fall into such a horrible situation? Where were her parents?”
Sometimes parents are the abusers. Or sometimes they ignore the abuse. But not always. The story of Emily reveals how a lack of discernment & knowledge can have terrible consequences…
During Covid, when everything shut down, Emily’s father lost his bank job. Believing his daughter would be better off, he sent Emily, age 12, to live with a family member who promised to provide for all her needs. In reality, the man sexually abused Emily multiple times. When her parents discovered the abuse, they were shattered. They exhausted their resources pursuing justice for Emily. Meanwhile, Lupins Africa intervened in Emily’s life to provide much needed hope and healing. However, 5 years later, Emily’s father remains jobless. He feels like a failure because he can’t provide for his family. He’s willing to take any job, but most employers consider him too old (and he’s only in his late 50s!). His wife, a skilled seamstress, has been given a stipend by Lupins to teach our girls how to sew. However, Emily’s father still needs a job— which leads into our new endeavor…
Two weeks ago, 120 men and women participated in our inaugural budgeting, saving, and small business workshop. In other words, our microfinance program has begun!
The workshop was led by CRANE, a knowledgeable local organization. If the idea of microfinance makes you giddy with excitement, send me a message so I can call and give you all the nerdy details. For the rest of you, I will spare you. This time. What I will say is that I firmly believe this is the beginning of the end of poverty for this community.
We are excited about what God will do. I hope you are too.
Your prayers are greatly appreciated as we move forward.
God is always working.
Love,
Kristen
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