OpenHeaven.com - Sewing Machine and Widow’s Dignity

It was her fault. That’s what her in-laws said. They were so convinced, they threw her and their three grandsons out of the house. Sani moved to another village and started washing dishes and clothes as a servant. All the while, she carried the blame of her husband’s death and the entire weight of her family’s survival on her shoulders.

November 2015

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Widow Struggles to Provide

Sani had been married only for five years when her husband died from alcohol poisoning. Before she even had time to think about how her life and the lives of her three boys would be without a husband and a father, she found herself homeless, rejected and blamed. She didn’t know how she would care for her family.

Alone and heavy-burdened, she moved to another village to start a new life as a widowed mother. She found work as a house servant, washing dishes and clothes. Somehow she managed to keep her family alive, but the struggle was constant day by day.

As the years passed, Sani sent her two teenage sons to work as laborers simply to keep the family afloat. Because of their grave poverty, her children could not continue in their schooling. Even though she and her sons worked hard, the income they earned still did not build up their financial needs. But help would come, unexpectedly, from one of her neighbors.

Sani was blamed for the death of her husband. As she and her sons were kicked out of the home they had shared with her in-laws, she felt the pain of rejection and abandonment.

An Act of Kindness and New Life

Gospel for Asia-supported pastor Jaival lived near Sani. He had been ministering in her community for two years and hosted worship services in three different locations. Because Jaival lived near to Sani, he often spoke to her about the love of Christ.

Sani had always followed her traditional religion, but gradually, as Pastor Jaival continued to share with her, Sani began to understand the love of Christ. She attended prayer meetings held at Pastor Jaival’s house. She grew to know Jesus personally and chose to accept His free gift of love and acceptance.

Though she found new life in the Lord, Sani and her sons still struggled for daily survival on the meager earnings they labored for.

More Than a Christmas Present

Pastor Jaival, well aware of Sani’s needs, placed her name as a recipient for a Christmas gift distribution. It was through this distribution that Sani received another gift that would change her life: a sewing machine.

The gift was a perfect fit. Sani had previous tailoring experience, so she went right to work stitching clothes. Her income increased, enabling Sani to provide for her family and better manage their needs. Sani could even send her youngest son to school!

Sani was encouraged when Pastor Jaival spoke to her about Jesus. When she accepted Christ’s love, she found out Jesus hadn’t rejected her.

Sani experienced the love of Christ and His providing hand in a real and tangible way. A simple sewing machine brought her hope and helped show her how much the Lord values her. Her life is just one testimony of hundreds who have received a gift from Gospel for Asia’s Christmas Gift Catalog.You can be part of bringing Christmas to those in need of extra love and help. This Christmas, offer hope to a family and show them in a tangible way that Jesus loves them.Sani received her new sewing machine with joy. Thanks to people around the world and the love of Christ, Sani is now able to take care of her family and sees her worth in the eyes of Christ.

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