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Focus on
Angola
From Riches to Rags
Sitting alone in her small rented room in Angola, Mary reflected
on the choice that had brought her here. Though it was a heart-wrenching
decision, deep down she was at peace. She had been the apple
of her husband’s eye, and anything she wanted, he gave
her. Mary was happy–or so she thought.
With polygamy culturally accepted throughout Africa, Mary was
the third woman to wed her husband. Then she heard about Trans
World Radio’s Project Hannah ministry at her church, and
its message of hope and salvation through Jesus Christ alone
stirred her spirit. She committed her life to the Lord. After
much prayer and soul-searching, Mary told her husband about
her new life in Jesus. She explained to him that she sensed
God impressing upon her heart that because she was in a polygamous
relationship, she was living in sin, and needed to leave him.
Her husband was astonished; her friends shocked. But the support
Mary received from her pastor and church family enabled her
to remain firm in her decision. Her courage and determination
to do God’s will have become a powerful testimony in the
church.
In this African country torn apart by decades of civil strife,
resulting in countless widows and orphans, it’s no wonder
Mary’s decision sounded ludicrous to her friends. Why
leave behind nice clothes, an expensive house, and a man who
doted on you? No Angolan woman who had witnessed the horrors
of war and disease and famine–not to mention abusive,
unfaithful husbands–would say good-bye to such a fairy-tale
life. This year through Project Hannah, many more women in Angola
will discover the hope of Christ that Mary has found. While
PH’s prayer movement has already been established in the
country, the Portuguese version of Women of Hope will begin
airing later this year, allowing the 60 percent of Angolans
who speak the language to hear the life-changing program.
“Our prayer is that Angolan women will seek first the
kingdom of God and His righteousness, and experience His peace,
security, and joy in spite of their horrific circumstances,”
says Helena Silvano, Project Hannah’s regional coordinator
for Africa. “Although their spiritual, emotional, and
physical needs are innumerable, we must assure them that Jesus
can supply all their needs according to His riches in glory.”
Helena adds, “Radio is the only instrument that can bring
the message of hope to our suffering people. There is no doubt
that Women of Hope will have a large audience.”Sitting
alone in her small rented room in Angola, Mary reflected on
the choice that had brought her here. Though it was a heart-wrenching
decision, deep down she was at peace.
She had been the apple of her husband’s eye, and anything
she wanted, he gave her. Mary was happy–or so she thought.
With polygamy culturally accepted throughout Africa, Mary was
the third woman to wed her husband. Then she heard about Trans
World Radio’s Project Hannah ministry at her church, and
its message of hope and salvation through Jesus Christ alone
stirred her spirit. She committed her life to the Lord. After
much prayer and soul-searching, Mary told her husband about
her new life in Jesus. She explained to him that she sensed
God impressing upon her heart that because she was in a polygamous
relationship, she was living in sin, and needed to leave him.
Her husband was astonished; her friends shocked. But the support
Mary received from her pastor and church family enabled her
to remain firm in her decision. Her courage and determination
to do God’s will have become a powerful testimony in the
church.
In this African country torn apart by decades of civil strife,
resulting in countless widows and orphans, it’s no wonder
Mary’s decision sounded ludicrous to her friends. Why
leave behind nice clothes, an expensive house, and a man who
doted on you? No Angolan woman who had witnessed the horrors
of war and disease and famine–not to mention abusive,
unfaithful husbands–would say good-bye to such a fairy-tale
life. This year through Project Hannah, many more women in Angola
will discover the hope of Christ that Mary has found. While
PH’s prayer movement has already been established in the
country, the Portuguese version of Women of Hope will
begin airing later this year, allowing the 60 percent of Angolans
who speak the language to hear the life-changing program.
“Our prayer is that Angolan women will seek first the
kingdom of God and His righteousness, and experience His peace,
security, and joy in spite of their horrific circumstances,”
says Helena Silvano, Project Hannah’s regional coordinator
for Africa. “Although their spiritual, emotional, and
physical needs are innumerable, we must assure them that Jesus
can supply all their needs according to His riches in glory.”
Helena adds, “Radio is the only instrument that can bring
the message of hope to our suffering people. There is no doubt
that e will have a large audience.”
Angola at a Glance
· Angola’s birth and death rates are among the
highest in Africa. More than two-fifths of the population is
under the age of 15. Three out of every 10 children under age
5 die in Angola every year.
· More than 10 million landmines are scattered across
the country, hampering travel and making effective follow-up
extremely difficult.
· Electricity and running water are non-existent, while
medical care and schooling are privileges beyond reach for many
Angolans.
Sources: Helena Silvano; United Nations; World Health Organization |
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