Jo French, MCC Tanzania

Jo French is currently serving with MCC in Tanzania, in the Women's HIV/AIDS Pastoral Care Program. One of the women she works with is Tatu, a mother of 3 - Asha (12) Khadijah (3) and Halima (16 months.) Tatu was diagnosed with HIV when she was pregnant with Halima. She began attending the monthly support group at the Iringa Road Mennonite Church where she received encouragement, prayer, counselling, and material support. Jo writes:

Tatu received many Home Based Care visits and is now doing better. Tatu was very discouraged as she was still getting over various infections. When Tatu's husband was at work, Asha continued to take care of her mom and siblings... Asha has always been a faithful support to her mom. Tatu and her family continue to get extra food from the church program - nutrition is very important for people taking ARVs (Anti Retroviral drugs.) Tatu was given an AIDS Care Kit, donated by MCC. When the bed sheets were pulled out she started to cry. She told us that she had remembered when some people in the community learned that she had HIV they came into her house and stole her sheets. When she was handed the new sheets, she was reminded of the painful memory, but blessed by the new gifts. Asha sent a note saying she had no more exercise books, pens, or a school bag. So we brought Asha an MCC school kit to use, full of school supplies!

Tatu says that the medicine and food have given her strength; but she credits the fellowship of believers in the church as the most important thing.

"While other family or community members seem to be standing by and waiting for my funeral, I have other friends who come and pray with me and support me," she says. "I hope in God and ask God to help me. I have been so blessed by the power of prayer... I feel like shedding tears in gratitude for the blessed prayers I have received."

Tatu is getting baptized in the Mennonite church. She says her faith has grown by watching those who have cared for her and demonstrated their love.

You can hear Tatu share her story and the recent test results her children received when you visit: www.aidscarenow.org/voices/tatu.html

Jo asks us to pray:

• For Tatu as she prepares for baptism. She needs lots of prayer for her health, family, business and mental well-being. Please lift Tatu, Asha, Khadijah, and Halima up to God in your prayers. Pray also for her husband, for greater strength and courage in his life and faith; that he will be a faithful support to his family and not deny his personal or social responsibilities.
• Pray for all the program workers and those who are being supported. WE are doing more training in Home Base Care. Pray also that we will find sponsors and support for 30 new children (including Asha) in our orphans and vulnerable children sponsorship program.
• Please pray for me! Pray for health and enough energy and rest, for joy and love to grow in friendships and relationships, for perseverance in difficult challenges, and wisdom in present and future decisions.

 

For more information on Service Opportunities contact Sophie Tiessen-Eigbike at (604) 850-6639 in Abbotsford, 1-888-622-6337 from outside the Lower Mainland or e-mail: stiessen@mccbc.com