Beauty from Ashes

Sheila came to Heart of the Bride’s partner ministry in Kenya in 2008 with her sister, Sharon. Orphaned at young ages 10 (Sheila) and 8 (Sharon), the sisters were left to live with their grandmother who was very old. After struggling to care for the young girls, she surrendered them to our partner home.

Years of neglect from her birth parents, their early death, the hard life with her grandmother, and the health struggles her mother’s life burdened her with left Sheila very bitter and hard. All who visited the home could see the anger in her eyes. That anger followed her for years. She was resistant to discipleship and the Gospel in general. Who could blame her? The only earthly family she knew had treated her poorly to say the least.

But, our missionaries and staff continued to love her well while sharing about God’s goodness. After years of counseling and discipleship, Sheila finally surrendered to the Father who created her and loves her unconditionally. She graduated high school and earned an Upward Scholarship from HOB to pursue Computer Science.

While in the Upward program, Sheila regularly participated in the discipleship group led by our very own Carol Boykin. Carol watched as Sheila’s heart continue to soften and her faith grew deep. Then, Carol received a beautiful message from her sister, Sharon. While traveling from the grocery story together, they observed an elderly woman on the Matatu (van transport) struggling to carry her items. Sheila led them to exit at the woman’s stop and help her to her home with her groceries. Then Sheila paid for them to continue on the transport out of her own funds.

Sheila has been transformed. Where there was only sadness, anger, and mourning, God has brought great joy, love, and generosity. The relentless love of God penetrated her heart and changed her from the inside out.

In November, Sheila graduated! She is our newest graduate looking for her first job in Kenya. Please pray with us as she seeks God’s will for her life. Her story is not over!

Earlier this year, we got a rare peak into the heart of an orphan redeemed by God’s grace. Sheila shared this prayer with Carol and allowed us to share it with you. Praise God for His amazing Grace!

Dear God,
Thank you 4 Your goodness and love even when I don’t see it. Please open my eyes to what you are doing in the world around me and in my life.  Help me to recognize Your hand at work.  I’m especially grateful for Your help with a challenge this week and for my supportive sister.  These are gifts I truly appreciate.  I know I don’t always see the path clearly.  So, please guide me in the decisions I face, both big and small.  Give me the courage and strength to follow Your will, even when it’s hard.  Help me to trust that Your way is best – even if it’s different from what I expect.