Mama Joey: A Missions Story – Leonard and Grace
One morning, on his way to our organisation base, Leonard saw an old lady (Mama Joey) walked arm-in-arm by two ladies, who were giving her support. At once, Leonard felt strongly led to pull over. He offered them a lift / transportation if needed. They agreed and got in his car.
Leonard asked them as they were travelling: “So, what is the problem?”
“She’s got HIV,” the two daughters explained.
Leonard then dropped them at the clinic and offered to keep in contact with them by leaving his number there, since they have no phones.
While anticipating a call from the daughters about their mother, Mama Joey, the weeks waiting felt like a long time. And with no calls, questions were quickly rising in Leonard’s head.
However, two weeks later, finally, one of the daughters called.
We decided then to visit mama Joey, encouraging her to take medication continuously and advising on simple nutritional food along with gifts such as a wristwatch and other gifts we could give to a lady in her 70s. This sort of support was vital, as her family felt she brought shame to them and the community. As we visited, we could counsel the family on speaking positively to her and showing care whenever they could.
Good news! We, as a family, witnessed improved health and relationship building - one day, Mama Joey surprised us at our door for a visit. 😊
Our God is a Miracle-working God, this same lady had sold her house and used all her money so that she could die, but God preserved her. Now Mama Joey is healthy, taking medicine regularly, and happy with who she is.
