Women at Olive Branch

Phil and Judy took the 5:30 a.m. bus on Friday, 13 Mar to the Nairobi campus. After checking into a flat there, John Parit picked us up and took us to the Olive Branch Mission. Judy spoke to these 9 women at the mission. These women are all involved in micro-enterprising in Kibera (the largest slum in Africa); they are all small business owners and are in the process of paying back their loans to the Olive Branch. Their businesses include: a stand selling dishes/cups; groceries out of a home; fruit/vegetable stands; soap making; jewelry making; a hair styling shop; a sewing business; and selling snacks to school children. They all are raising children or grandchildren. Only two of them have husbands in the home. After a time of singing (above) Judy gave the devotional The Lost King's Daughter based on the parable Jesus told of the Prodigal Son. John translated for Judy. All of the women know some English, but Judy's accent made it diffcult for them to understand. At the end of the teaching, Judy asked for a show of hands of those who wanted to come home to the father and be forgiven of their sins. Five of the women immediately raised their hands and Judy prayed with them. After the prayer Judy again asked how many had accepted forgiveness of their sins and now had Jesus living in their hearts and all five again raised their hands. John said these five were fairly new to the program. After a snack, John and Judy met with some of the women individually. It was fascinating to hear of the triumphs and trails of their businesses. Judy then prayed with these women individually.

Would you please pray for these women? Pray that the seeds of the gospel planted in their hearts will grow in fertile soil. Also pray that their businesses will prosper.