Caught Us Off Guard

 We had a young lady with an 8th month old baby call and come to the office today. She had driven 7 hours yesterday to move back to Lusaka. She asked where the church was for Sunday. She is a member. We located the one closest to her new home. We made arrangements for the Sister missionaries living in that area to help her get to church on Sunday. And then she quietly said to me, “may I speak to you in private?”

Sure, but I had no idea what I was getting into. When we walked into a different room she said, “I’m having bad thoughts.” Some tears and then she told me about her suicidal thoughts. No job. No family support. On her own. No friends. The cutest little baby to care for. I tried to reassure her. She was loved and needed!


To make a long story short, a lady who works downstairs came up and talked to her. So grateful because I was having a hard time understanding her. They made connections with common acquaintances, namely the lady’s parents. Found out that this girl was neighbors to a couple who served here in Zambia two years ago. They gave here a Book of Mormon. After they went home, she joined the church, received a certificate in accounting at a college and is now trying to complete her studies through Pathways. 

Like many Africans, she tried starting up a business but it did not go as planned and now she has debt she cannot pay back. Her family is always hounding her for money.

Sure was at a loss as to how to help her! Everyone here is seeking work or at least better employment.  What should we have done? Please pray for her. 

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