Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to
look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself
from being polluted by the world. James 1:27
 

 
Packing into the hardbody truck, the girls were ready for a new adventure and another day of ministry. We bumped our way along, down the dirt roads passing many children waving and yelling “azungu,” which means white. On entering the village, it was like a parade, with all of us on a float with spectators staring and excited. When we arrived to the little building, the widows were waiting for us. As we came in they greeted us with the normal greeting, “muli bwangi.” It took me a while to get the response, but soon after greeting every woman, the greeting became easier.

Two days a week the interns go and sit with the widows. The widows dance and sing in typical African style, then one of the interns gives a short message. Then for the next two hours the widows teach us how to knit or crochet. I learned how to crochet and I’m sure the ladies that were helping me were very glad when I finally understood what they were doing. They do it so fast and effortlessly. I was able to use the yarn they gave me to crochet a scarf, but their was only enough yarn for it to be for a baby!
The Widow’s Program started to help the women in the community. After their husbands die there is no income and the family of the husband does not typically help in any way. The widows are able to come in and learn many different skills, like knitting, crocheting, sewing bags and purses, making jewelry, and various other skills that help them to make money. The program is two years long and the money for the items sold are put into an account for them. Once they finish the program they are able to go out and start a business and provide income for their families. This program has helped many women in the area.
It was such a joy to work with them. They love meeting new people and showing everyone how to do the things that they are doing. Last Friday was our last day there. The women took some time to pray over us and for the travels that we have ahead of us, then they lined up to get pictures with us. They all wanted their individual picture with us! It was so funny! Pray for these women, they are so special! I loved the time that we had with them.

Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds-His name is the Lord-and rejoice before him. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling. Psalm 68:4-5