Serenes' story
Serena's Determination.....
(This is a long post, but, I promise, it's worth the read. Especially the last paragraph.)
Last year I started a program called Zubiri Project. It involved giving women a chance to own their own business. After a careful selection process, I chose 4 gifted and amazing young ladies; one of whom is Serena. I was concerned about her because, I didn't think she was completely getting the concepts I was trying to teach them. But, out of 20 weeks of coming 2 times a week, Serena had to travel the farthest each time. On top of managing the commute, she had to bring her two month old baby. To get to these classes by 9:00 a.m., Serena had to leave her home by 5:00 a.m. I don't want to hear ANYONE complain about their commute again! Not only did Serena come for these regularly scheduled classes, she also came for special training that lasted 4 days one week and three days the next week!!! Serena continues to push forward and ask questions, meeting with our business teacher.
A few weeks ago, we went to a site near her home to rent space for her to start her charcoal selling business. For various reasons, it did not work out. We prayed together over that spot, asking God to be REALLY REALLY clear; please Lord, show me where You want to locate my business. A few days later, Serena called me, telling me that she didn't trust that landlord because he had lied to her. I reminded Serena to pray for guidance and assured her I would too. I didn't want Serena to get discouraged or lose the momentum she had, so we went ahead and opened a bank account for her in preparation for finding that PERFECT spot! Well! don't you know it! God is faithful! Serena found another place to rent! However, the rent was a little more than we originally planned but went ahead and paid 4 months rent. In the process, I took the liberty to provide the landlord with some business advice (!). "Sir, will you drink and eat this money or, will you invest in YOUR future? With this large amount of cash, you could purchase another container." We wrote up a contract which all parties signed. I left Serena with enough money to purchase three bags of charcoal. Serena, always thinking, thought she might do some cooking in her little stall, to differentiate herself from other places that offer charcoal for sale. (Have I mentioned how proud I am of this lady?!) The landlord was all for it! Encouraging her to do it!
I departed, promising Serena I would be back in three weeks. Serena called me multiple times throughout those three weeks, not with problems, but with PRAISE REPORTS with how well she was doing!! My heart sang after each exchange. Just last week I traveled to see her, to review her record keeping. What I found was, that she had purchased seven bags of charcoal in three weeks time and had turned a profit; enough to pay ANOTHER two months rent. In an effort to bring attention to her business, she would take small chunks to surrounding business to demonstrate the excellent quality charcoal she had for sale. She now has several business' coming to her to purchase their charcoal from her. One man purchases six buckets of charcoal everyday for his chicken and chips (french fries) business!!
I'm on a roll here. Hang in with me for some MORE good news! Serena's husband, Fist (whom we have been praying over), has been respectful and supportive of her efforts. I was concerned at first that as soon as they saw a profit that they would use that to live on, instead of building up a comfortable cushion to make sure the business is a going concern. Fist has proven other than the stereotypical husband in Uganda. God is so good. (Have I said that?! I'm so lucky to see God's hand working here.)
This, folks, is the part that has me in tears. After Serena and I paid the landlord some more rent, I asked if we could pray with him. Serena spoke up and said no, he's a Muslim. I was bold and asked if we could pray with him anyway. He agreed. A few days later, he stopped by to see how Serena was doing, confessing that he used to drink and smoke, that he would normally have squandered the rent money on food and drink. HE HAD GIVEN HIS LIFE TO CHRIST!!!!! He declared he is a changed man and has not smoked or drank since he became a Christian. He is working on cleaning up the area where Serena has her stall, chasing off kids that are causing problems. This is a big deal folks, he is widely known in the community, who are all amazed at his transformation. Serena is seeing him at church since she prayed over him.