Remembering God's Promises On the Journey
Back to Africa

Monday, July 30, 2012

Zodwa - Heaven's Gain



I join in with the celebration in Heaven at Zodwa's homecoming. She went to be with the Lord on  . Zodwa was a 16-year-old girl who lived at the orphan care center where I stay. With a wonderful sense of humor, big smile, and friendly personality she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Though she had been living with the effects of a parasite on her brain, she was functioning well until her health suddenly declined drastically until she was bed-ridden and unable to speak, eat, or move on her own. During those final days some of her last words were "Jesus, I love you" and "thank you" to the house mothers who were caring for her. She was surrounded by many people who loved her deeply and cared for her sacrificially as she struggled with her illness.


Before Zodwa came under the care of the ministry here, she was living in a child-led home. This is common in Swaziland. Zodwa was a double orphan, having lost both of her parents. I praise God that she was welcomed into God's family as she welcomed Jesus into her heart. She was also part of the ministry family here where all of her needs were met. Though many of us grieve her death, we also rejoice that she is experiencing the fullness of joy in God's presence.

News article about Zodwa about her situation before she was brought under the care of the ministry







Zodwa at the care center where she lived
Zodwa wearing my glasses :)

Zodwa and I having fun during a fun night with the teenage girls at the care center in 2008

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