New Hope, Lasting Impact
Zambia
Mary* was once a young girl left as an orphan in the 4Miles community, a placed defined by its poverty, teenage pregnancies, school dropouts, beer drinking & prostitution. What hope was there for Mary? She was just another of the many girls forced to drop out of school, vulnerable to abuse and desperately in need of love and acceptance.
Yet, the midst of physical & spiritual poverty there is always hope. That's what Jesus does, He shines through the darkest situations, transforming lives & communities.
God's love came to Mary through the life of one lady that had a passion to reach this community. Coming from a background of her own heartache & oppression, she knew how critical it was to give such girls a second chance. Looking for ways to identify with the girls in this community, she discovered their need for acceptance, going back to school, & their love for sport. Not long after, 'Hope Strikers' girls soccer team was born. This created a safe place for Mary &her friends to gather & play together. Practical help was given to these girls through gifts of hygiene packs and sponsorship for them to go back to high school. A daycare was also started to care for the babies of the young mom's, allowing the mom's to attend school.
Through the continuous value placed on Mary, and sometimes tough love, she managed to complete her remaining 3 years of high school. Mary (now 22yrs) and her husband have committed themselves to following Jesus, and recently OM Zambia's 6 month Discipleship Training, an unimaginable opportunity for them just a year prior.
Mary's life was touched through different initiatives such as micro-business training, educational support and the girls soccer team - but most importantly the love of Jesus himself. God uses us to be His hands and feet to those in the communities around us. Our love can help bring hope into the life of another and help them discover their identity in Jesus.
Today, because one lady saw the potential in Mary, she now has a new song to sing - one that speaks of renewed purpose in life, a unified marriage, identity found in Jesus, and hope for her future. Mary is currently going through a year 'Engage Training' program that will help her to be more effective in empowering her community. She hopes to coach & mentor girls through the 'Hope Strikers team, passing on the same love and empowerment that she once received.
*Name Changed