We visited some widows homes the other day, not far from where we live. These particular widows do not have sponsors, but they have homes that have been built by Sister Connection. Over 1,000 widows have homes built by Sister Connection and are awaiting sponsorship. We traveled with the visiting teams from America and Australia.

When I stepped into Virginia’s home I felt the dirt floor under my feet and I looked up to notice the painting on her wall: Imana Niyonkuru with a painting of Jesus next to the words. The words mean great God. It was painted by her son. She had small wood chairs for us to sit because it is an honor to have guests come. She said, “my prayer is that all the feet that enter this home would be blessed.

Virginia’s daughter lives with her and her 3 grandkids. She spoke of how thankful she was for the home. Before Sister Connection rebuilt her home there was so much rain and water coming in. Her family couldn’t stay dry and they were always cold. Now their home is beautiful and they are thankful for the roof over their heads.

We asked her how we could pray for her. She said she has a heart problem so she cannot do a lot of work without getting worn out so she feels bad that her daughter must work so hard to provide for all of them. Sometimes they eat 1 meal a day if they’re lucky. She has medicine for her heart and she feels bad because it costs money which could be used to feed her family.

Sister Connection provides monthly sponsorship to widows. They have 2 programs, 1 is a regular sponsorship program which is what Virginia falls into. She is unable to work due to age or health. The other program is an IN3 program which is a 3 year sponsorship commitment and that widow will learn a trade and be weaned off of sponsorship after 3 years once her business is succeeding enough to provide for her family.

One of the Americans standing there was moved by Virginia’s story. She was moved by her thankfulness and joy in spite of all the hardships she and her family faced. The American woman said, “I have to sponsor her.” I love her willingness and openness to God moving in her and then I loved the reaction I got to see from the Sister Connection staff. They’re the ones that love these widows and orphans so well. They helped build her house and have helped her the past 4 years as she has awaited a sponsor. When they heard she was going to be sponsored they raised their hands and said, “PRAISE GOD!!!!!!”

We feel privileged to be here in person and get to witness what God is doing. To come alongside the staff in service to the widows and orphans and to see firsthand the needs and witness the way God is the provider to the widows and orphans.