Mama Tom

How can I explain to you the joy and insanity wrapped up in a 70 year-old African woman’s body and named Mama Tom? We met her at the church we were working with in Busia, and she found a special place in all of our hearts. From the first time I met her, she hugged me, prayed for me, and told me that I was her “grand” (grandchild), and I’m fairly certain she did the same for everyone on our team. She certainly has the gift of hospitality.

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:18-20

But, more about Mama Tom’s life: As I said, she is a seventy year old widow who cares for fifteen orphans. She was one of several wives to her husband and the only one who was a Christian (the rest were Muslim, as was her husband). Her husband died about 10 years ago from AIDS, and all of his other wives contracted the disease as well, but Mama Tom is HIV negative. In addition, we took her to the doctor one day, and she is probably one of the healthiest seventy year olds around, third world country or not. She is, very proudly, originally from Kenya. She moved to Uganda after escaping when her village was raided, most of her children were killed, and her land was taken from her many years ago. She came to Uganda to start a new life, away from violence, and found the help she needed through Pastor Moses. The church even sent her to Bible College a few years back in Kenya and has provided their old building for her to live in. She has certainly been blessed by the Church, but she has also been a huge blessing to that church in the way she speaks the truth and brings the Holy Spirit with her.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Even after all she has been through, she is constantly praising God, staying up late to study His word and pray, and doing His will by caring for many of His children who have lost their earthly fathers and mothers. She sings, dances, laughs for joy, and weeps. She prays; she preaches; she trusts God for everything. She has no source of income, but constantly pleads with God to remember His servant and provide for her needs and the needs of her orphans, and God certainly does do that. She and all of the children live off of what people bring to her. She has an amazingly strong faith that has been fostered by years of seeing God’s provision and faithfulness. It was a blessing to meet such a vibrant, Spirit-filled woman of the Lord, and God is using her in mighty was in Busia.

“Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you…” Joshua 1:3