Meet the Momo Team - James

JAMES' STORY ... 

In 2018, I was 16 years old and still in secondary school. My father, 80 years old at the time, was my family and others' biggest supporter, paying our school fees and providing for our needs. In August 2018, my dad got sick with prostate cancer and was hospitalized. The doctor's diagnosis changed everything, and our lives were never the same.

I dropped out of school to care for my dad and our family, which included over 15 biological and non-biological dependents. I felt hopeless about our future, but I prayed to Jesus, asking Him to heal my dad immediately. Although Jesus didn't answer my prayer as I had hoped, I continued to trust in Him. I took care of our garden, cooked, and sold cassava to make ends meet.

In 2019, my dad returned home, but his condition worsened. I was heartbroken, feeling like I had lost my future without education. I had no one to share my struggles with, so I held back tears in front of my dad.

In 2020, COVID-19 struck, and our country went into lockdown. This made our situation even more challenging. I couldn't leave our home to sell our produce or buy essential items. We struggled to survive, and I felt overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for my family. The lockdown lasted for one and a half years, and it was a difficult time for us.

My dad's condition continued to deteriorate, and he required medical attention. However, due to the lockdown, it was hard to get him the help he needed. In June 2021, my dad passed away. It was a devastating blow, and I felt lost and alone.

After my father died I inherited three small rental apartments (I could earn $10/month each from).   I faced a sudden change in circumstances when the tenants, a family of six, struggled to meet their basic needs.  As the pandemic escalated, the family fled, leaving behind two small boys - aged 8 and 12 - alone and in dire need of assistance.   Concerned for their well being, I took it upon myself to care for these orphaned children - providing food, shelter and love during an incredibly challenging time.   By the time I was 23, the number of children under my (and the team of 6 caregivers I assembled) grew to 25 children.    

After my father's death, I had no one to share my grief with, and I struggled to come to terms with the loss. I felt isolated and alone. I searched for someone to talk to and found "JesusCares" online. For the first time, I shared my story with someone, and it marked the beginning of my deeper walk with Jesus.  JesusCares coaches directed me to their discipleship community called Chasing Christ, which is where I meet maama Sue, Aunt Jodianne, Aunt Steffi, Uncle Fer and Uncle Ben.    I am grateful to God who has provided for all our needs, and am thankful for everyone who has and is supporting us with prayer and gifts.