From a woman who is now a part of an ADC in Burundi (Name withheld to save her image):
“Two years ago, my life was almost ruined. I found myself picking up papers in the street and eating from trash cans in the market. I was mentally ill.
My family was ashamed of me and didn’t know what to do with me. They kept me locked up at home for weeks trying to hide their shame. They even took me to many native, herbal doctors, but nothing worked. I guess they got tired and gave up on me. Then, they set me loose. Even my own family abandoned me!
That’s when I found myself in the streets. I had to wander the streets picking up papers, eating trash, and sleeping in unfinished buildings. For several nights I would come back to my senses, and I would cry, but then, I was helpless because after a few minutes, it was back. I was all alone with no one to help me. I had no hope, no home, and no one to love me.
But then, God showed me love and gave me another chance. A kind person saw me, took me to church to pray, and they read some Bible stories to me from the chronological booklets. I enjoyed listening to the stories so much.
Later, the church had me admitted into a psychiatric hospital to get help for my mind. Prayer sessions were organized for me almost every week, and even in the hospital, the Bible stories were my lullaby. I remembered one of the stories of how God saved the Israelites from slavery and I prayed that God would save me too from the shame I was facing. Soon, I started to feel better and started reading the booklets by myself. I kept crying to the Lord for healing.
Today, I’m completely healed and happy! I am married to the man whom God sent to be with me, and we now have a beautiful daughter. Please help me to thank God for being so kind and merciful. He gave me another chance at life.
The booklets gave me strength as they taught me of a Savior I did not know. I forgave my family for rejecting me and I rejoice because the Lord has blessed me with a bigger family of brothers and sisters.”
Yes, we serve a God of second chances. Thank You, Lord, for your healing power. Wycliffe