30 Aug In the Midst of Despair a Goat Gives Hope
Photographing for One More Child – Capturing Grace on a journey through South Asia
In February of 2024, along with Capturing Grace team member Ellie Everett, I had the privilege to witness the work of One More Child in South Asia. Our hearts were deeply moved by the tremendous need that we witnessed in the impoverished communities that One More Child serves.
Thankfully we left with hearts full of hope from the stories we learned and images that we captured.
Thank you Ellie Everett for writing this story of lives changed in India.
We sat down with Prisha and her daughter on their front porch that also serves as their kitchen. Through her own words and with the help of a translator, she shares her story of loss, struggle, and coming to faith in Jesus.
My story is very difficult. When my daughter was about three months old, I learned I was HIV positive. When I discovered this, I also learned that my husband and my daughter were also positive. We were so scared of what would happen, and my father and mother-in-law were not accepting of me. They did not give us shelter. Not long after, my husband passed away.
As she wiped tears away with the end of her sari, she mumbled through sobs, I was so sad about it. I decided to not stay with my father and mother in law, so I came here to this house. And I was struggling a lot. I didn’t know what to do. I was so worried. How would things go? I was trying to figure out everything.
One day a pastor came to my house, and he preached about the Lord Jesus Christ. And I got some new hope. These people would help me, and I decided to go to the church. But I didn’t have a single penny for a roof or rent, and since the church is a little bit far from here, about 10 km, I didn’t have money for my trip fare. But I decided I would have courage and go, and I believed that the Lord would provide for me.
Last month through One More Child, I received a pregnant goat. The very next week that goat bore four babies. That is a joyous thing for us that the Lord has been blessing us since I came to Christ. Prisha will use the goat milk to provide food for her family. She will also be able to sell the baby goats to provide an income.
Since attending church, my condition has completely changed. Before, I hesitated to go to work somewhere. But since I am living a prayerful life, I now go everywhere. I work in the field, and I can earn money. I know that I can live while facing so many issues in this society because I have a living God with me, and I know God gives me strength. I have a hope that I will be in Heaven with the Lord. He has given me that new hope.
My family was thinking that when my husband passed away that I was going to pass away soon, but the Lord is with me. He has plans for me. And I have been baptized, and I am growing in Christ now. I do not worry about anything now. I miss my husband, but I am thankful I have my daughter with me. And I believe that the Lord will make everything okay in the future.
In our culture, a brother gives saris to his sister. But since I have this disease no one wants to come here and visit me. But since I have started to work at the church the people there have given me sari’s at Christmas and every new year. I am so grateful to God for showing me his love in this way
While Prisha was finishing her story, she was filled with gratitude because of our visit. She emphasized that her neighbors would think more highly of her because we spent time in her home. Thank you for the kindness that you all are showing to my family by coming to my home and interviewing my daughter and I and listening to our story.
As I hugged Prisha and thanked her for visiting with me, she embraced me and said that she was so thankful for my love toward her. We were both in tears. She said, “I am so happy that you are coming here and giving me love.” It is humbling to meet a sister in Christ who is walking faithfully in such trying circumstances and to know that I was an encouragement to her and that I know how to pray for her and her family.
Story by Ellie Everett
I invite you to learn more about the work of One More Child , I hope that you’re heart tells you to become a part of this life changing ministry by sponsoring a child.
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