Starlight in the morning...

Recently I had the opportunity to go with our new Outreach Program Social worker, Penlope to visit one of the elderly that is on our feeding program.  It truly was a pleasure to meet this Jaja, Luganda for grandmother.

 She lives in the village of Kikube with her granddaughter in a small two room house. We learned that she once made a living doing agricultural work. After she developed severe hernias that required surgery she was unable to work again. Unfortunately the son, who is the father of the granddaughter is an alcoholic , not around or providing assistance. 

To make ends meet she "digs" or grows some food and tries to find light labor jobs.  Every shilling she makes either goes for her meager food supply or saved for her granddaughter's school fees. 

We were visiting her to see how we might be able to help with her report of a leaky roof.  When we arrived she greeted us kindly as is the custom here.  Her house is 32 feet long and 10 feet deep, divided into two rooms. She invited us into her house. As we entered it took a moment for my eyes to adjust to the darkness. She has no electricity and only one window opening with a wooden shutter and one door. My eyes adjusted and I looked up, it was like seeing the pin pricks of starlight against a velvety black night sky.  There are so many holes in her tin roof. My first thought was how does she and her granddaughter stay dry now that the rainy season has returned?! Answer... they don't. 

Tom and I are working to get the roof fixed as quickly as possible. Tom and the maintenance team will perform the work.  His team are glad that they can give back to their community in such a tangible way.  All the tin sheets must be replaced and several of the boards supporting the roof are rotten and also need to be replaced. 

In US currency the repair of her roof will cost less than $200, but in her current situation it is unattainable. 

We are so greatful to you for making this outreach possible through your faithful support.  There are many if these stories surrounding GSF and our hope for 2015 is to help more people who are in great need.   Please pray with all of us at GSF, missionaries and staff alike, as seek to  show the love of God in word and deed. 

James 1:27

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit the orphans and widows in their distress...

Sharon...