Empowering Widows: A Day of Hope and Support
In the heart of the Federal Capital Territory, on a bright Saturday morning, the grounds of WEBS Ministries FCT buzzed with purpose and anticipation. It was the 1st of July, 2023, and WEBS Ministries had partnered with the 'Heart to Heart Widow’s Foundation' to host a special outreach event for widows.
The theme for this year’s commemoration of the International Widows day was “Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality,” a timely reminder of the importance of empowering widows with skills and resources to thrive in an ever-evolving world. The event kicked off with a soul-stirring exhortation by Pastor Moses Adegbayi, the Resident Pastor of Living Faith Church Pyakasa Abuja. Drawing wisdom from the book of Job 28, he set the tone for the day, emphasizing the resilience and strength found in faith.
Sis. Gladys Nwachukwu, the driving force behind the 'Heart to Heart with Widows' initiative, delivered a passionate charge to the women. With heartfelt conviction, she reminded them of their inherent worth and encouraged them to embrace their identity as ‘WONDERFUL, INDEPENDENT, DIVINE, ORDAINED, and WOMEN/WOMAN’.
Following the inspirational talks, the women engaged in skill acquisition sessions, a crucial component of the outreach. Led by Mrs. Lizzy, they learned the art of making spices like curry, not just as a culinary skill, but as a potential source of income to support themselves and their families.
The promise of financial empowerment sparked hope in their hearts. To further support their journey to self-sufficiency, Apostle Prince Ukaegbu and a generous sister from the Webs community provided financial assistance to select widows, enabling them to participate in specialized skill acquisition training.
The day was not just about practical skills; it also delved into the emotional and spiritual well-being of the widows. Pastor Mercy Otobrise of Deeper Faith Christian Assembly imparted wisdom on effective parenting, reminding the women of their role as guiding lights in their children's lives. Amidst the enriching sessions, the widows were blessed with essential provisions – raw food items, toiletries, and clothes, easing their burdens and bringing smiles to their faces. But the support didn’t end there. A soap-making training session was arranged, offering another avenue for economic empowerment.
As the event drew to a close, the atmosphere was charged with gratitude and renewed hope. The widows left with more than just tangible goods; they carried with them a sense of empowerment, community, and the reassurance that they were not alone on their journey.
In the aftermath of the outreach, the echoes of laughter and the warmth of shared moments lingered, a testament to the transformative power of love in action. And as the widows embraced the promise of a brighter tomorrow, they carried with them the echoes of a day filled with hope, support, and the unwavering belief in a better future.
Proverbs 19:17AMP- “He who is gracious and lends a hand to the poor lends to the LORD, And the LORD will repay him for his good deed.”So we invite you to come partner with us. We accept donations in kind and cash. You can contact us at: Tel: +2348187639896 Email: womenebiblestudy@gmail.com or Instagram: @websministries.
God bless You!
By Omatsola Oritsejafor-Lawanson
Co-founder WEBS ministries; A Minister of Christ Jesus called to beautify and rebuild lives with the Word of God obeying the leading of the Holy Spirit.