Imagine
your daughter or granddaughter living a life of prostitution or being sold into
sex trafficking! Yet many in today’s
society find themselves “caught” in exactly one of these types of lifestyles,
with no way out! On our “For the Love of Africa Ministries” (FOLA) recent mission
trip to Uganda, Africa, Allison Blum and I had the privilege of meeting with such
a fine group of ladies who call themselves the “Women of Hope.” Through Dr. Gilbert and the Mercy House
Ministries team, these 10 ladies have now been totally set free from the
bondage of prostitution. They really inspired us and we see the need to help fight
for them! They are truly trying to make a new start!
If we do not help them or fight for them, who will?
I want you to introduce you to Beatrice (true identity
withheld). She lost both of her parents at a very early age, so she went to
live with her cousin’s relative. At the age of 12, she began selling her body
in prostitution. Beatrice worked in that profession for almost 2 decades,
during which she birthed 4 children, all by different fathers. Life was very
challenging for her, as she has single-handedly tried to meet the needs of her
family. Since there are no assistance
programs available where she could get help, she like many women in Uganda and
all over the world, felt she had nowhere to turn, so she “sold her body” in order to survive. Several years ago, Beatrice gave her life to
Christ and her life began to change. She said she felt a “big load was lifted
from her head, because it was a great physical and mental torture” selling her
body to make a living.
For the
Love of Africa Ministries is partnering with Mercy House Ministries to help
bring change in this area. We want to help these ladies! We can change not only
their future, but also the future of other ladies caught in prostitution and
sex trafficking, both of which are on the rise.
What will keep them from returning to prostitution? Helping to train them and help them find employment. This
is development at its finest!
These ladies deserve a 2nd chance in
life!!! They want to begin a bread business, whereby they would make bread,
cakes, etc. and would sell them in the market place. They have put together a business plan, which
includes a cost breakdown and projected profit.
The total cost to build a building, constructing 2 brick ovens, training,
equipment, and labor, etc. is $7,500. So
far, we have been able to raise $2,000 and an international organization called
Samaritan’s Purse has also made a small commitment.
Would
you be willing to partner with FOLA to help
bring change to the life of these
ladies?
Please
visit fortheloveofafricaministries.com for giving options.
