Tuesday 17 March
By Rev Joanne Evans-Boiten
In my previous ministry with refugees it never ceased to surprise me how it always seemed to be the women who did the work needed to survive: finding food and other necessary goods, queuing for permits and financial support, visiting doctors and going to language classes.
These same women would find support in each other and help each other whenever possible; "here is an address where they will help you", "so and so might have a room for you and your family" "That doctor will see you even if you have no papers"...
The women would do anything to save their families. And one could but be impressed with them and their fighting spirit.
Not surprisingly, seeing their courage and their struggles to survive in a foreign country, I often thought of Ruth, the young Moabitess, who left her own country to follow her mother-in -law Naomi to a land and a people foreign to her.
Like many modern-day migrants, Ruth left because of a famine, but also out of love.
She and Naomi became a real team, and though to some their actions might seem rather scheming, I see two women working together to improve lives. Of course in first instance their aim was to improve each other's lives, but in doing so they gave hope and life to others around them.
Many of the refugee women are life givers too, both practically and spiritually. To me, few people reflect so well the message of hope that Easter brings.
Christian Aid
Daily Reflection
Since women have been given a voice at community meetings, Elema has noticed changes that are improving the lives of women.
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