“I understand. I can follow Jesus now,” said Mercy*.
Mercy, a single mother of three living in a village along Lake Tanganyika, has faced many challenges. At one point, her mother took her to the Muslim community for financial help, which led Mercy to become a Muslim.
Still struggling financially, Mercy was introduced to a Self Help Group (SHG) in a nearby village. The facilitator of the group was Purity*, a local woman with a similar background—a single mother with three children. Purity had found hope in Jesus, which helped her overcome her vulnerable situation. She knew that Jesus was who Mercy needed too.
During the six weeks of SHG training, participants learn how to connect with God and people, and how to address political and economic issues through God’s eyes. Initially, Mercy was unsure how to pray and participate in the Bible study; she was not familiar with how to speak to God.
Over the weeks, God opened Mercy’s eyes. She noticed that the Christians around her genuinely cared for her and wanted to help. Through Bible study, Mercy discovered who Jesus is and decided to follow Him.
Mercy was afraid to leave the Muslim community, but the SHG members supported her. They helped her find an apartment to rent in a different area, start a business to sustain herself and connected her with a church. Now, Mercy is sharing her story with others and looks forward to the day when she can share her faith with her former community. She continues to be part of the SHG, where she grows in her faith.
Purity was overjoyed to see how God touched another woman through the SHG. Since her training in 2016, Purity has been a dedicated and faithful facilitator. Despite not having the most education or a strong family background, she has a heart full of compassion and love. God has used this ordinary woman to transform dozens of vulnerable families, and the stories will continue.
Praise God for what He has done through SHGs along the lakeshore.
Please pray for the people living in the villages along Lake Tanganyika:
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*Name changed for security reasons.
