Justine and Fabian

Justine was my beautiful translator for my small group Bible study!! It was such a pleasure getting to know her! She is "mum" to one of my favorite people, Fabian. She said that I could share her story with you.

She grew up the daughter of devil worshippers. Her father was a harsh man, and at age 14 she was sacrificed to the witch doctor to become his wife. After twelve years of marriage and four children, he died. This was a very hard time for her. With little to care for her children she was looking for answers. She found herself at the Bunga church where she heard the gospel and gave her life to Christ. Her husband's family owned her land and were so upset that she had become "born again." They tried everything to kick her off the land including bribing the police officer and breaking out her windows. God protected them and provided for them, however, and she has been able to remain in her home, despite the fact that the devil worshipping shrine is right next door.

Even though Justine and her children had barely enough for themselves, she took in two boys who needed a home. Their mother abandoned them after their father died and they had no one to care for them. These boys were our dear friend Fabian and his brother John. They have been such a blessing to her all these years. Fabian came to Griffin with the choir in 2007 along with Andrew. They have always been good friends and Fabian grew dear to our hearts as well.

Now Justine shares her home with her sister Mary who is also a widow. All together there are ten people living in her home when all are home. The mud walls need repair as do the still broken windows. Mosquitos fly right in and there are not enough mosquito nets or mattresses for everyone. They do have electricity but have to go to the well for water. You can see her pictured in front of a typical outdoor kitchen where she is cooling sweet potatoes over the fire. She and the boys have made a brick kiln on some borrowed land and will either sell the bricks or use them to rebuild the walls of the home. They temporarily borrow a plot of land to plant corn and a few other crops.

They gave us beautiful gifts and we were so honored to be able to visit in their home. Pictured is her son Brian with Fabian, Mary, another precious friend Olivia, and Christine. Justine was a joy to me and I can't wait to see her and Fabian again!!