Another reason to celebrate
It’s been three years since our ministry crossed paths with Benicia, who was barely 14 at the time and had a 9-month-old son, Emmanuel. This teen mom, with her baby strapped on her back, was going door to door selling vegetables to support herself and her son. We later discovered that both her parents were dead, and she was trying to make the best of a bad situation.
When we delved further into her background, we found that Benicia became pregnant after being raped by a trusted family member. Orphaned, with no home and no hope for the future, Benicia was forced to sleep wherever she could find a place to lay her head.
Arranged marriages still exist
Benicia's aunt arranged for her to marry a 40-year-old man because she didn’t want to assume responsibility for her niece and baby. When Benicia refused, her aunt did not hesitate to expel the young mother and Emmanuel from her home.
Sadly, arranged marriages are still taking place in the Central African Republic (CAR). Approximately 61% of girls in the CAR are married before the age of 18, and 26% are married before the age of 15.
When we were made aware of Benicia’s precarious situation, one of JHC’s faithful supporters pledged to sponsor both Benicia and her baby. The two were relocated from the rural community where they were living to the safe environment of our Youth at Risk (YAR) compound in the capital city of Bangui.
In a recent newsletter, I shared how our ministry is compelled by the biblical mandate to represent Christ well in this broken world. We endeavor to meet people’s physical needs while also sharing about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The scars of war
War in the Central African Republic has left a trail of orphans, vulnerable children, and desperate women trying to make the best of a horrifying situation. Not only must they grapple with the aftershocks of a prolonged war, but they also struggle with being displaced, the loss of friends and family, and the ongoing food crisis.
While the war has ended, the emotional and physical damages have not. But rebuilding lives goes beyond that harm – true healing can only begin when they have surrendered their lives to the lordship of Jesus Christ.
Benicia has enrolled in a French class to improve her language skills. She also receives mentoring through our YAR ministry and is involved in the youth ministry at a local church. I am thrilled to share that Benicia and her son are thriving!
And it’s all because of the devoted supporters of this ministry. You are making an eternal difference, one life at a time. We are bIessed to have you as a partner in this journey, and I want you to know that you are a continual source of joy and encouragement as you pray and give faithfully. Continue to pray that we see lives changed for His glory.