Latest News from the Poorest of the Poor Center

More Than Just a Van

3.8.2009 - After years of uncertainty and simple 'making do' without a reliable means of transportation, Sister Oresoa and her nuns finally have some new wheels! Through the generosity of donors to the Hope for West Africa Foundation, the sisters at Anawim House of the Poorest of the Poor were able to purchase a 15 passenger Toyota van on November 15th, 2008. This van will be used in the nuns' daily outreach to the surrounding communities. The Sisters, whose previous van died after more than 250,000 miles of hard work, utilize the van in every aspect of their ministry. The nuns provide transport and access to care for the 24 children, 16 disabled individuals and the multiple unwed mothers who live with them. They also require a van to visit local leper communities and other near-by villages, where, along with fellowship and friendship the energetic group of women distribute food and clothing, and provide HIV testing and counseling. Not to let any time or resources go to waste, when the sisters are not using the van for a specific mission, they set out, traveling the roads providing ministry and shelter to any disabled, marginalized or needy they come across.

After being blessed with the opportunity in 2007 to spend time with the tireless women at Anawim Home, I can only rejoice that I had the good fortune to be in Abuja on the day Sister Oresoa purchased her new van. The bright white vehicle pulled into the Abuja parking lot reflecting the sunlight like a new beacon of hope. Even the van however, was immediately outshined by the jubilant and radiant smiles of its passengers, sister Sr. Oresoa and Sr. Regina Okonkwo. The two small women's joy and elation were evident in their bone-crushing hugs, unending thanks and praise to God, and obvious excitement to return to their lifesaving ministries. It is in the all-too-rare moments like these that the mission of Hope for West Africa Foundation comes alive as donor generosity meets the faith, love and enthusiasm of Sister Oresoa in her mission to serve the Anawim (the poor who depend on the Lord for deliverance).