Couple Shows Widow Love of the One Who Never Forsakes

What was Beula to do? She, a widow, had worked as a domestic helper for many years, but now with her health declining, she couldn’t continue with the same number of hours. How could she take care of herself and her only son? As life’s burdens continually increased, would Beula ever find rest?

A Widow’s Endeavor

Beula had once lived comfortably with her husband and three children. But that was some 25 years ago. After contracting a chest infection, he passed away, leaving Beula alone to provide for their three children. To protect her family from rising terrorist attacks in the region, they soon fled to a new village.

Beula then lived relatively well. She had used the family’s savings to buy a small piece of land and to build a house for her family. All her children attended a local school. She was young, healthy and beautiful. Beula’s family requested she remarry, but she refused. She wanted to focus on caring for her children.

To do so, Beula began working as a domestic. She cleaned, washed dishes, did laundry and cooked meals for six well-off families. This hard work enabled Beula to meet her family’s needs.

Beula’s two daughters eventually married and moved to homes of their own. As the years progressed, Beula began to suffer from high blood pressure, arthritis and thyroid issues. With these ailments, she simply couldn’t maintain the same workload. The number of families she worked for dwindled to two, and with it dwindled her income. She struggled to provide for herself and her son. With her husband long gone and her health now failing her, how would Beula be able to meet both her and her son’s needs?

Gaining Hope

A blanket distribution organized by GFA pastor Pieter for poor and needy families in the area met one of these needs. During the distribution, Beula received a blanket. Filled with gratitude and inspired by the compassionate act, Beula wanted to know more and sought out Pastor Pieter.

More than four miles separated them, but Beula began to meet with Pastor Pieter and his wife, Chastity, once a month. They prayed for her health and for her son’s education, and they also supplied her with groceries, clothes, blankets and financial help for her medications. Beula was filled with thankfulness every time she received aid.

Continued Comfort Amidst Tragedy

Then the COVID-19 pandemic brought great tragedy to Beula: Her only son died from the infection at 19 years old. After her 50-day quarantine, Beula visited Pastor Pieter and Chastity. News of Beula’s great grief pierced the couple’s heart, and they offered comfort and prayers.

Now living alone in ill health, Beula can’t work and often can’t prepare food for herself. But God continues to provide for this widow. Thoughtful neighbours often bring her food, and Pastor Pieter and Chastity continue to show her love and care with their whole hearts.

By showing steadfast love to Beula through life’s trials, this GFA missionary couple has pointed her to the One who never leaves nor forsakes, and now she prays to Jesus daily.