Just rescued . . . from Early Child Marriage

My mother died a year after my birth and when I was five years old, my father also died. I began living with one relative then the next. For a few years, one uncle sent me to school, but he has become very poor and cannot continue. There is no one to care for me so my guardians and pastoralist community (Maasai) are making plans for me to marry soon. This will ensure I have a caregiver, but I want to stay in school and learn. I am not ready to marry because I am still young. - Masiyoi, last week, age 11.

Masiyoi just wants to go to school!

I am so in awe of God…. and how He makes the impossible, possible!  

    

A few weeks ago I heard that another 11-year old girl was in need a school sponsor immediately in Tanzania. We had already planned to add 5 children to our program (plus 4 others in a few weeks). These children need sponsors to continue in school. Nine children is a lot for our small non-profit to help. So I was hesitant to read yet another story, but I did, out of my deep respect for our Kulea Tanzania CEO, Pastor Romy Mtenda.

I read the story of Masiyoi (above) and it gripped my heart. I agreed with Pastor Romy that she needed immediate help from Kulea. Like so many of these precious kids, I wanted to call my husband and say, “Can we sponsor another one?” Instead, I just began praying. I thought of a brave friend in Kenya, Josephine Kulea, who rescues girls from Early Child Marriage all the time. I wondered if we could do the same for Masiyoi? I fell asleep that night with her little face, tragic story, & tender heart on my mind. I prayed that this girl would feel a sense of security lost long ago and I asked God to make a way for Kulea to provide that.  

When the 6 children's stories and photos were put added to our website, I asked our Kulea Prayer Warriors to pray over them. I added, “My personal prayer is for Masiyoi to have a sponsor, asap!” 

               

One of our volunteers and Board member, Amy Crosby, had the task of uploading every photo and story to our website, so when she read Masiyoi's story it touched her heart, too. She contacted a friend of hers to pray for Masiyoi. . . and 24 hours later that friend became her sponsor. God always makes a way, especially when I wonder how in the world we can do something.

              

This woman had not felt any particular "call" to Africa, to orphans, or a connection to Kulea (though she has graciously helped us with a major fundraiser in the past), but hearing Masiyoi's story stirred something in her. She felt God’s nudging and responded with action. I wrote her and thanked her for being a part of God's plan. Her reply was beautiful: 

"I too, am rejoicing today, in God's goodness.

Over the past few months I have been praying for God's guidance on how to use the resources He has blessed me with. While still seeking God's direction in this area, I received a text message from Amy requesting prayer for a 11 year old girl, Masiyoi, who is without parents and soon to be married if she does not receive funding for school. I lifted her name up to God in prayer. My heart broke as I remembered what great joy school brought me at Masiyoi's age.  As God reminded me of the joy and blessings of my childhood, I prayed the same for Masiyoi. I asked God to protect her childhood; that she may be without worry of her future and that she may rejoice in the time He has given her as a young girl. I asked Amy what needed to be done and the answer was sponsorship. Without hesitation, confident this was God speaking , I committed to sponsor Masiyoi.  I thank God for His faithfulness and goodness. It brings tears to my eyes to think of the smile on Masiyoi's face as she learns she can stay in school."

Masiyoi SMILES (two days ago) when she is told she can stay in school!

"I am still confident of this: 

I will see the goodness of the Lord

in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord;

be strong and take heart

and wait for the Lord." Psalm 27:13-14

To God be the Glory!

Masiyoi in Kulea Tanzania Office with Pastor Romy and a friend from her village.

In just two weeks I will be in Tanzania with a volunteer team. I hope to meet Masiyoi. I want to wrap this fearful little child in my arms and tell her, "We have you and we are not letting go! You were created for a purpose and you are deeply loved by God." Oh that we might show her the depth of His love. 

Pray for us as we go . . .