Her husband calls her Acitdeng, “because she is like the rain…she is the heart of our family”, says Pastor Paul. The rest of the community calls her Mama Rose. I call her sister. Rose Paul is a wonderful godly woman, who leads our flagship ministry, “Women of Hope”. In spite of the political fighting and the insecurity caused by clan clashes, the women’s ministry continues to flourish under Rose’s direction. Over 100 women can present in excess of 100 Bible stories in chronological order. They are learning better health practices and life skills. Many are enrolled in a sewing school, making and selling school uniforms and dresses. Several have been trained to repair water pumps and are participating in a goat rearing business. They have a cooperative vegetable farm that has been quite successful. Two of the women lead the morning devotions at our two primary schools. Akot Women of Hope regularly visit and minister to the orphans and widows in the community. They are very well respected. Sharing Bible stories and even health lessons in song and dance are a regular part of their gatherings. Recordings of these lessons can be heard on the secular radio station in Rumbek, the state capital. A new Women of Hope group recently began meeting in neighboring Atiaba. It is amazing to see God at work transforming the women in the Akot community.
Nhialic abi thiei (Dinka for God bless you),
Ann Rao
President