A Few Good Women

I'm gonna borrow from one of Dennis' recent updates...I'll just add in some photos and interspersed comments... There are a few very dynamic young women who have taken some hard hits this past week that I would like you to join us in praying for:

Ntomboxolo (Nono, who we've already introduced; pictured here with Akhona) is a leader among leaders. She has a sweet heart and yet has faced many trials as her mother abandoned her, her grandmother who was raising her died and her father became consumed with his alcoholism. This week her aunt started to lose her battle against HIV/AIDS and has been hospitalized. This is a crushing blow to Nono and she needs our prayers along with her sister. On another note, she is loving her new home and has a great relationship with her foster mom, Diane. This is a crucial time in Nono's life and we're so pleased that she has a positive role model and someone who looks out for her. We believe God's got GREAT things for her future.

Phindile (Beauty) is another young leader who ministers not only to other orphans, but to adults in the church and even cares for some of our CHE's when they are struggling (she made soup and took it over to her assigned caregiver who was sick). Her Aunt, who was the caregiver and breadwinner of the family, got pneumonia two weeks ago and died on Sunday. Her death left Phindile's cousins orphaned and now their grandmother is forced to raise 5 children on her pension of $114 per month. Please pray for them as they grieve and as they support one another through this difficult time. Praise God that Beauty has been able to continue comming our Friday afternoon support group.

Nomofili is a strong young woman heading her household of orphaned siblings. Her extended family has asked Nomofili and her sisters to visit them in the Eastern Cape over the Christmas holiday. (The Eastern Cape is a several-days' drive and when referring to it, folks usually mean their rural village homeland.) The girls are scared to go as they don't trust their relatives and fear that they will keep them there forcing them to drop out of school and work on their farms. Nomofili has been receiving monetary support from these relatives in the past. Please join us in prayer for them. This situation requires much wisdom as family ties are super important to honor, and the support they provide is crucial--but the Nomofili and her siblings just do not want to go back there...