It was during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the year 2020, that *Princess came knocking on my door for food. Many people in South Africa who make a living from day-to-day work were severely impacted during the lockdown period.
Princess would become a familiar face in my neighbourhood even though she stays about three kilometres away. With every visit I got to know Princess a little bit better. She would always look down when she spoke the words, “Ek staan alweer bakhand vandag.” In English it translates to I am begging and asking for help again today. It was soon after her first visit that I gave her a Bible and shared the message of salvation with her.
Her life of hardship
Her many facets of hardship were revealed to me every time Princess knocked on my door. I had also seen her face beaten up.
At some stage she stayed away for weeks when she contracted TB (tuberculosis) and had to undergo treatment. On another occasion, her hokkie (a structure made from wood to provide shelter) burnt down. Consequently, she suffered burn wounds. These were but the tip of the iceberg of her difficulties.
Soon the walls came down. Princess, a single mom of three children, started speaking about her heartaches and disappointments. With every visit I made mention of Jesus. Occasionally, I assisted her in providing for her needs, knowing that it was only temporary relief. Prayer concluded every visit.
The power of prayer
One day, I was unable to provide her with something to eat. We prayed together. As she walked away, I called her back and said, “Remember, we prayed. Now we need to trust the Lord. He heard and He will answer.” She nodded and walked off. Within a short while she came back, smiling from ear to ear. “I came back to tell you that our prayer was answered! I received food and new clothes!”
Through our journey together we prayed about needs and distresses. Together we faced the difficulties head-on. We had lengthy conversations about saving money, applying for work and setting achievable goals. Princess applied the advice. External changes were visible.
Hope is alive
However, one change was still missing. An encounter with Jesus… It was in Spring 2024 that Princess was ready to commit her life to the Lord.
Today she has a sparkle in her eye that was not there before. Hope is flickering in her heart. Her shoulders are square, no longer bent under the yoke of hardship. Princess is a disciple of Jesus and my sister in Christ.
He raises the poor out of the dust, and lifts the needy out of the ash heap, that He may seat him with princes… (Psalm 113:7-8a).
*Pseudonym used
