MARY'S STORY OF COURAGE AND HOPE

(The story of Mary in her own words)

The Lord tells us in Jeremiah 29:11; ‘I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘Plans for welfare and not evil, to give you a future and a hope.’ The only thing you have to do is to have faith in God and trust in Him.

I come from a family of four children. I am the first born child. I was the first grandchild in our extended family. It was a real surprise because out of seven children, my dad was the last born. All the other grandchildren from his brothers had all died and when I was born, they told mum that there was no way I would survive. After sometime, I was attacked by a disease that was not easy to treat. My mum almost lost hope thinking that I would definitely die. My dad and my relatives rejected me too. My mum looked for help everywhere and finally God helped her and she was able to find treatment for me.

After nine years, my dad started drinking. We always had chaos in the house when he was around. In the month of December, my mum and dad divorced and left my sibling under my care. We started a hard life without our mum. One day, something terrible happened.

My dad brought six of his co-workers at home. They were all men. This is the day that totally changed my life. It took away all my pride. I was sexually abused by the six men. I really didn’t know what happened next because I lost consciousness. In the morning, not knowing what to do and having no one to tell, I decided to clear the mess while feeling all the pain. After some days, I realized that I had a wound around my private parts and it was really painful. I was having difficulty walking. I decided to tell my Aunt who took me to the hospital for medication. The doctor said that I had contracted an STD. That was very painful for me but my Aunt was able to make sure that I got the best medication without telling my dad.

After this incident, I was unable to accept myself back. I was even unable to associate well with my friends and those around me. I have always blamed my dad for everything that happened to me and I hate him with all my heart. Even though mum came back, I did not have the courage to tell her about the incident. Even after she came back, our house still had a lot of drama.

I couldn’t bear to see my dad abusing and beating up my mum. He would even beat us and throw us out of the house at night. He would some time come and pour the food we had cooked. Bear in mind that for us to find food was a real problem. My dad used to curse me every day and say that I would never succeed in life. My parents would always separate every year almost as a routine and I would be left to take care of my siblings.

After clearing Standard Eight, I passed well and I was admitted to a well performing high school. My dad refused to take care of my schooling and refused even to allow me to go to school. With the help of my mum and uncle, I secured a sponsorship. I am now studying under the sponsorship of a Good Samaritan from Netherlands.

Of late, I have been very sickly. I have Asthma, Ulcers and a bladder infection. My dad refused to pay for my medication and said that I could just be sick and die since all people must die one day. For now, the biggest problem am facing is rejection from my relatives. My dad is very sick and my relatives have rejected my family because they already got what they wanted. I believe that the Lord who cured me and enabled me to pass through all this is the same Lord who is going to cure my father. I do believe and trust that the Lord is still with us. I do still have a lot of difficulty forgiving my father and the men who raped me. I know God is going to help me.

Though we feel rejected, God tells us in John 6:37; ‘I will not reject anyone who comes to me.’ This is a promise by the Lord who is always faithful in all his promises. I give all the glory and honor, praise and worship to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit who has enabled me to pass through all this and to be strong. I earnestly pray for all those who will read this to be blessed in the Mighty and Holy Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Read Psalms: 136:1-3, 121 and 119:145-176