When we found her, she and her baby (whom we named Baby Moses) were almost dead. And several weeks later, tragically, he did die. But his memory lives on – not only in Philile’s heart, but for many others as well. In fact, I believe God wants to use his memory as a rallying cry for Swaziland.
ARV’s and good nutrition have restored Philile’s health (read story here). She’s become one of our best workers at the local community center. Her sweet smile is a testimony to Jesus’ awesome redemption of our tragedies. I visited her this past week and shot this video of her talking about her son in her old, dilapidated mud hut and then showing off the new house we built for her and her four children.
So often we write about people like Philile. And their stories arouse compassion. But we need to feel the empathy that comes from hearing a first person account. Philile is a widow who lay dying in her home with her five children beside her and in despair concerning her youngest – Baby Moses. What she experienced was not only a wrenching physical pain, but a searing of the soul as her whole world collapsed. Her story inspires us to think, “I really can make a difference to one person like Philile.” So I wanted to give her a chance to tell it for herself.
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Thank you for posting this wonderful follow-up to the story on Philile. Bless you for helping her. I can feel the joy in the room.
This is an unfolding story of God’s redemptive grace and we get to know about it because people felt leadings, acted in obedience, told the story and even when tradegy struck, they/you/we/humans continued to stay engaged, act in obedience and tell the story. I think ‘resolve’ is a word I read recently- staying engaged even when it would be easier to drift on our own, even when it hurts… anticipating the next chapter when others have closed the book, knowing God isn’t done yet.
It’s a grand lesson of God’s faithfulness and how obedient people really do become instruments of His grace.
This story continues to have a profound effect on me. I continue to be blessed and humbled.
it’s so great to see philile on video!! she looks SO good!
it has been life changing to hear how her, her family and the village is doing after we’ve left.
thank you SO much to every single person that has helped them!! it really means the world to me. as soon as i am able, and as soon as i hear God’s voice to go back i will be there!
thank you seth for your heart, and for continuing their story, and not allowing us to forget!
Megan,
Karen read YOUR prayer to her. And she was visibly moved. I’ll post that video. Here are two videos:
http://www.vimeo.com/3147636
http://www.vimeo.com/3147521