Esther Speaks

I really don’t consider myself an activist of too much, but it’s very, very difficult here in Africa to stay silent on the subject of women.  The oppression, the victimization, physically and mentally, is very, very challenging to understand, much less accept.  Along with the 55 very unique countries in Africa, there are many different tribes within each nation.  All of these social systems are extremely complex and complicated, particularly for this western mindset to take in and/or accept.  However, as one human being trying to value and respect another, I find generational customs of lack of equality, not only shocking, but completely demoralizing as well as debilitating.  

Suffice it to say that being a woman in Africa is not only demoralizing and gender equality is simply not present.  Perhaps you think I speak in extremes.  I think not.  Rural Africa is where these women live and they are the foundation, the heartbeat and tears of suffering Africa.

But, lest I drop to despair, I am privileged to be encouraged by surfacing ripples that show me life is stirring and change is happening.  Nearing the end of our time in Tanzania doing trainings, one woman who had been silent for three days suddenly stood.  She spoke clearly, confidently, securely in her message of conviction and hope to those around her, not the least intimidated by wzungus or the mostly all-male attendees.  Esther was her name.  Her husband Samuel had invited us to come and build on the message previously brought to that region by church planting trainers Dawson and Omondi.  Courageously and clearly, Esther began.  She announced because of what her husband had been taught, he had come to her repenting and apologizing with true humility.   By profession he was “a man of God” and very important (in his own eyes)… so important that he left his family to fend for themselves while he abandoned them to do “God’s work.”  The wife and the children did not have money; they did not have food.  Even when he was at home, he would receive a call and leave immediately to go and help this person or that person.  He would take tea in a hotel (restaurant) with white people or other men, while the family is only suffering.  He would travel to far away places under the guise of preaching “God’s Word,” while abandoning all responsibilities at home.

Now, he was coming to her requesting forgiveness, saying without practicing true Christianity at home, loving God with all his heart and loving others as himself, how could he practice or even preach Christianity anywhere else.  He knew it was a system he was in that was keeping his family down and not lifting them up out of the poverty they were suffering in.  Esther continued by testifying that now their home is a place of peace.  She has a husband who is present and contributing.  The children have a father who is providing and protecting.  With tremendous conviction and courage, she vehemently challenged the men present, “Many pastors have left their families.  The women are left with kids and absolutely nothing to eat, no blankets, no school fees.  You men tell your women that you have been ‘called’ by God.  Even though the woman accepts what you say, you men know that your wives are hurting and they are suffering badly.  Please, I am here to testify there is another way and it begins in your own heart and it begins your home.  Today there is so much joy in our home, with my husband and with our children.  We are happy and we are sharing something that is real and full of hope.  We can see ourselves lifted up and our family is prospering.

Today, Samuel is, in my estimation, a true “man of God.”  He is practicing true Christianity at home and out of that he is also attracting husbands who are seeing marriage and family as a joy, not a burden.   Loving his wife and children enough to be present is lifting them to a place of importance and value.  Worshipping and loving God together, as a family, is attracting others.  Husbands and wives want to know this Peace.  Conviction comes and change happens…sometimes quickly, sometimes polle polle (slowly), but it is happening!

Samuel:

Esther: