A few weeks back we were approached by a woman who sales vegetables in the local market. She told us the story of an 10 year girl she had met in the months prior. The little girl named Shilla would come to the market with just a few vegetables, sometimes nearly spoiled, but looking to sell what she could, just a few coins worth.
The women in the market began to notice this young girls routine and asking her questions. They found out her mother had passed a few years ago and she was the only child remaining with her elderly father. Her siblings had all be taken by “well wishers” – simply strangers with compassion.
But Shilla had remained with her father. They had no permanent home, just sleeping on the ground out in an unfinished house – at least until someone finds them on the property then they will be chased away.
The women in the market became concerned, these living conditions are not good for anyone, much less an 11 year old girl.
A woman named Astridah who has 6 children of her own went and spoke to the father. He agreed she could keep Shilla. So nearly a month ago Shilla came to stay with Astridah. Shilla was safe, but as a marketeer with 6 children of her own, there were no resources to really care for Shilla nor to allow her to go to school.
The talk of WellSpring is circulating around the community of Mufulira, and Clara was approached by the women of the local vegetable market where we buy the majority of our daily needs.
Our team then did a full investigation and completed the proper paperwork with the father. The team moved very fast on this the past few days as school is opening next week and we wanted to get Shilla settled and ready for school.
Today was her first full day in the house, waking in her new bed, experiencing life with her new sisters, clean clothes, a flushing toilet, and a warm bath.
Please continue to pray for Shilla and her father as we continue to minister to them.
