A couple of weeks ago I was in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, visiting partners and their ministry. It was a wonderful time of learning and reflecting on how over the years Forgotten Voices has grown to be part of the ministry life of the  local churches around southern Africa. I was touched by the Lord’s grace and guidance in the unique ways the pastors of these local churches across these two countries are meeting the needs of the orphans and widows in their communities.

One of my many visits took me to Sibusisiwe’s home; a 16 year old young girl in her Form 3. Sibusisiwe is talented in fashion and fabrics. At 16, she proudly made a beautiful toddler’s dress during one of her practical lessons in school. It was great seeing the quality of her work and I could feel the passion she has for the art of designing and tailoring. She is truly an example of what Forgotten Voices always prays for as it partners with local churches in this region. Which is to enhance the potentials of orphans like Sibusisiwe through an education that they would otherwise not have . Who knows, she may one day be a great fabric designer of her generation when she finishes school.

I was equally reminded of Eliana. She may be young, but Eliana truly has a heart of compassion and service for the orphans. She has realized how vulnerable most of the orphans are because of loosing their parents and has since been instrumental in raising funds for FVI’s ministry through her initiatives of Art Works, annual Bake Sales, among many initiatives she has come up with just to see one more orphan in Africa continue with school. The most amazing reality is that she does all this even though she may never ever get to meet any of the orphans she is helping with an education in Africa.  For this we say, “THANK YOU ELIANA!! And we salute you for all your efforts and pray that you will continue to have such a heart for the orphans”.

Finally, let me leave you with this scripture: Deuteronomy 6: 5-7, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you wake up”.

Sibisisiwe and Eliana may be living in different worlds, but they are both children that need our support as adults. Help Sibusisiwe finish her education well and continue supporting Eliana’s initiatives in desiring to support kids in Africa.

Your fellow servant in God’s ministry,

Remmy Hamapande, Africa/Zambia Program Director.

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