When people from our partner organisation first met Chantal, she was lonely, isolated and full of anger.
A survivor of the horrific 1994 genocide in Rwanda against the Tutsi ethnic group, Chantal is now 62 but still lives with the devastating impact of the systematic killing. She lost her entire family in the violence and tragically contracted HIV.
However, Chantal found her ‘sisters’ when she met the staff and volunteers of (AIDS Prevention Care and Outreach Ministry) (APRECOM), our partners.
These women have come alongside Chantal on this tough journey, enabling her to join a support group and take her to hospital when she is unwell. Through these women and their relentless generosity of time and presence, Chantal has found reason to hope.
Personally, I find it easiest to connect with people who are most like me, particularly those in a similar season of life or background. But recently, I’ve felt God challenging me to go with Him out of my comfort zone and be deliberate about connecting with people who society celebrates and those who feel marginalised.
Chantal’s story reminds me that hope can flourish again when we stand alongside someone in their pain.
Generosity doesn’t have to be about abundant resources but about giving what we do have: our time, our focus, our persistent prayer or simply the willingness to go beyond the familiar.
It can be easy to be generous when it feels comfortable: a quick donation or a passing smile. The kind of generosity that Jesus demonstrated calls us to notice, to pause, to deliberately give our presence and our time, even when it’s messy or inconvenient.
If we can take the first steps this Lent, maybe we will start to see the beginnings of a beautiful transformation in those around us and in ourselves.
Stephanie Farrant
Project Coordinator, Bethany Children's Trust
Reflect
‘Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.’
Romans 12:15-16
Pray
- Pray for people you know who may feel lonely, forgotten or afraid.
- Ask God to help you be a faithful friend who listens and stays.
- Thank Him for always being near and never turning away from you.
Act
A generosity challenge for you to complete today:
| Put your phone away during a shared meal today and give someone your full attention. Undistracted time might be one of the rarest forms of generosity. |
About Bethany Children's Trust
Bethany Children’s Trust is a Christian charity equipping churches and community projects across Africa and beyond to care for vulnerable children, including those affected by abuse, poverty, HIV and disability.
Through training, advocacy, prayer and partnership, BCT helps local churches and organisations create safe, nurturing environments where every child can reach their God-given potential.
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