Justice work is hard. You make some forward progress - helping a woman find a new home after an unjust eviction, rescuing a child from an abusive situation - and then you move backward - a woman loses her life because medical care is denied to her, a child with a disability is found tied to a tree. Working among those with disabilities who are among the most extremely impoverished is a long-term proposition. There are no immediate results. Our small, but faithful team, has been working among the women in Sierra Leone for almost 15 years. And the staff members of our partners who serve children have also been faithfully serving for many years. It is out of those years of faithful partnership with the Holy Spirit that fruit is borne. This year, in particular, has been a year of much fruit. Many are hearing, seeing, and believing in Jesus’ love for them. Many of you have partnered in that vital work as well. Thank you. Join us in praising God for all that He has done in Africa this year. There is still much more to be done. We invite you to join the mission of seeing people redeemed and discovering their true worth.
Until all have Access,
Kim Kargbo
President & CEO
January
This month, The formation-based discipleship class, “Following Jesus to Abundant Life” concluded its inaugural course. Ten Muslim-background women, who expressed interest in following Jesus, faithfully gathered once a week for 15 weeks. Their journeys of faith were profoundly impacted by the spiritual formation practices they learned and the answers to prayer they experienced.
“Life is challenging. One day I didn’t have any food to prepare for my family. I learned in the discipleship class that I should talk to God, who is my friend, about my struggles. So, I decided to do that. I went inside my room, closed the door, and shared with my Friend about my current situation. Just as I finished talking to God, I heard a knock on my front door. To my astonishment, my sister was standing there with a gift for me. It was some rice, palm oil, and a chicken! I was so amazed that God had answered my prayer so quickly! I gave Him thanks and then prepared food for my family.” –Fatmata Turay
February
Each year, thirty children and young adults grow in knowledge and gain life skills in a loving and caring environment at Step-by-Step Learning Centre (SSLC) in Arusha, Tanzania. As one of the very first students at SSLC, Umesalma continues to thrive, knowing that she is loved by Jesus, her caring teachers, and her friends.
March
Every month, hundreds of women in the northern provinces of Sierra Leone gather in eight different locations for Support Group meetings led by Women of Hope Sierra Leone staff. Women with all types of disabilities find community and belonging with others who understand them and their struggles. These Support Groups are filled with laughter, singing, and learning.
“I used to be ashamed of my disability and I had no friends, but now I have a community and many friends who understand me.” –Isatu C.
“Before I was part of WOHSL, I hid in my house and cried every day. Now I have joy and I love being part of a group.” –Sama C.
April
Hamilton Kambalame in Malawi, Africa, attended AHI’s virtual Made in God’s Image and Theology of Disability workshops in 2022. With a heart moved by what he learned, Hamilton continues to open doors of access for people with disabilities in his area by spearheading the building of ramps, allowing physical access to places of worship.
May
The lives of twenty woman are forever changed by their participation in Transformation Training. This class impacts not only their own lives but the lives of their friends and families. Read a few of the testimonies shared at their graduation celebration.
Ramatu Bangura—The training has given me such a clear understanding of who Jesus is. Now I want to know more and be a follower of Him.
Isata Bangura—As the only woman in my household with elephantiasis, I was filled with shame, and my family didn’t respect me. Attending the TT class has changed all that. I have confidence in myself, sharing what I have learned, and my shame has been removed and replaced with dignity.
Isatu Sanu—I always thought I was cursed by God, and because of that I should never interact with my neighbors, but I have learned that having a disability does not mean I am cursed. I was created for a purpose. I am no longer ashamed to be with others, and I look forward to sharing what I have learned with my neighbors.
June
Step-by-Step Learning Centre was proud to participate in a musical performance at Makumira University Cultural Arts Centre. After months of focused music therapy classes offered in collaboration with students from the university, SSLC’s students and young adults were overjoyed to perform on the big stage at the university. During the music therapy classes, the students bloomed and came alive with joy as they sang, danced, and participated in many musical activities.
July
Partnerships are challenging. After much prayer and conversation, AHI’s formal partnership with ADEMA Ministries in Burundi was ended. This decision was reached after carefully considering and evaluating our respective goals and direction. Although we are no longer in a formal partnership with ADEMA, we continue to communicate and work together to achieve Kingdom goals where our missions intersect.
August
During August, participants from the US, Uganda, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Pakistan, Nigeria, Malawi, Kenya, Jordan, India, and the Democratic Republic of Congo participated in the Theology of Disability course. In this 4-session virtual workshop, churches, ministries, and individuals learned about Jesus’ approach to disability and how to incorporate people with disabilities into their communities and churches.
“Thank you for this workshop! I left with tangible things I can pursue at my church and some tools to accomplish them.” –Church Leader
“I’m so glad I had the opportunity to participate in this workshop. It was humbling, encouraging, challenging, and more.” –Ministry Leader
September
AHI’s 4th Annual Luke 14 Feast shared the amazing spiritual fruit being borne after 14 years of challenging work in Sierra Leone. Praise God for lives being transformed by the power of His love and the perseverance of His people! We share the excitement of the staff in Sierra Leone in watching God’s grace at work in the lives of the women being served.
October
This month, Nyandengoh!, a ministry to children with disabilities and their families in Mattru Jong, Sierra Leone, is onboarded as a new Global Hope Partner of AHI! Nyandengoh! serves more than 115 children and their families with daycare support, educational classes, economic empowerment, psychosocial care, spiritual nurture, and advocacy. We are blessed to have them as part of the AHI family.
November
“Following Jesus to Abundant Life” discipleship class met regularly throughout the year. More and more women desire to be a part of this life-giving and life-changing course.
“When I first lost my sight, I was so discouraged and stayed inside. I wouldn’t interact with friends or family members. A friend encouraged me to participate in activities provided by Women of Hope Sierra Leone. It was in those activities that I found hope and encouragement. In Transformation Training, I learned how much Jesus loves me and that my life has a purpose, even though I can’t see. Now I’m in this discipleship class and it has become very important to me. As I have learned different ways to pray and put them into practice, my relationship with Jesus has grown. Praying with my friends who also have a disability has brought me such joy. I now desire to be baptized.” –Isha Kamara
December
Shame is changed to gratitude for the parents of children with disabilities in Mattru Jong in Sierra Leone. In December, the staff was delighted when 97 of the children and their families served by Nyandengoh! attended the annual Christmas program. This program is one of many ways Nyandengoh! builds relationships with the families of the children they serve. Though most of these parents are Muslims, they encourage full participation in the program and memorization of Bible verses for the celebration. These parents witness what their children are learning in the classrooms and watch them joyfully participate in telling the story of Jesus’ birth. With the help of generous donors, each family also gets a bag of rice and some cooking oil to provide some economic assistance.
