Dear John,
13-year-old Lillian from Rwanda was a bright, fun-loving girl. Her life hadn’t been entirely easy – she was raised by a single mother after her father abandoned the family – but generally Lillian was a content child.
Then one day, she was lured into a neighbour’s home by the promise of watching movies. Instead, she was abused. Later, Lillian discovered she was pregnant. Traumatised and afraid for the future, Lillian dropped out of school when her baby was born.
Sadly, Lillian’s story is repeated over and over each year in Africa, as people find themselves trapped in hopeless situations.
But amidst this sadness, there is still a reason to celebrate – because this year, we are celebrating 60 years of ministry and countless lives turned around through African Enterprise.
Now let me tell you the ending of Lillian’s story – because, praise God, it does have a happy ending!
Things may have seemed hopeless for Lillian, with trauma to process, a young baby to raise and no source of income or education… but that all changed when she enrolled with AE’s DREAMS program. She received support to get back into the classroom, including help with school materials and school fees.
Lillian also joined a saving group facilitated by AE local partners. During the COVID-19 school shutdown, she did not waste her time sitting idly at home. Instead, this determined young woman took a loan from her saving group and joined a workshop to learn how to make shoes.
Now that school has restarted, she spends time on the weekends making shoes for her daughter and to sell in the community – which helps her to support her family and save some money for her baby’s needs. What a transformation … and it’s all been made possible by the generous support of friends like you!
That’s why I’m asking you today to join hundreds of like-minded supporters like you, to help meet the $120,000 end-of-financial-year goal and help change lives across Africa through Aid & Development programs.
So thank you for considering a gift today. I’m so grateful for your partnership in Word and Deed to see Africa transformed!
May God bless you.
Yours in Christ,
Jorge Rodrigues
Interim Chief Executive Officer
*Name changed for privacy
