The Website of Miah and Michelle Collins

African Realities

Growing up in sub-Saharan Africa one is faced with many harsh realities. We would count out our money at the grocery store just to make sure we did not go over budget. I was, and still am grateful to God that I have never gone hungry, or lived without a place to sleep or clothes on my back.
I thought I was a compassionate person, but living out the three days of African realities proved otherwise. I was exposed to some of the challenges and hardships people here go through (after watching a documentary about child soldiers), and it hit home because the people in these situations are my friends…. so I was inclined to help them. Jesus had compassion and helped the people who were regarded as social outcasts. We tend to deny what is going on around us, hoping that it goes away rather than embracing and considering the resources we have and adjusting our lifestyles in order to share what we have with others.
I learned that giving is a grace. I did not and I still don’t deserve the favor God has shown me but I should also do the same for those around me, showing them undeserved favor in my giving. (2 Corinthians 8:7)
The Lord spoke to me and assured this word through 1 Peter 5:10: “ But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect establish, strengthen, and settle you.” My prayer is that I don’t ever forget this experience and that I remember those in such situations and do something about it.

Shegz Gicheche
Kenya