help for Widows

Help for widows Purpose Living a life of

by Bola Olawale

The story of Helen Keller remains one of the outstanding cases of people banished to the abyss of hopelessness as a result of childhood disability, but who never-the-less, took a leap above life’s constraint to make her mark.

Though blind and deaf to a world of sight and sound, her words drum into the soul, good melody and colourful picture of a woman who has learnt to conquer fears by taking a grip on her life. She says, ‘Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.’

My meeting with Mrs. Sandra Edowaye Ishola, who heads the Samuel Iyere Foundation - a Ministry for Widows, brought these words more vividly to my mind.

In spite of a health condition that has left her bedridden for many years, the 48-year old mother of six and grandmother, has chosen to look beyond her predicament to give hope to women in distress, though not a widow.

From her bed in a modest apartment located on the outskirts of Lagos Mrs. Ishola, says she heard the call of God to take up the challenge.

‘I really didn’t know what to do when I got the vision in 2001 because prior to that, I had a burden to care for orphans. After I heard God speak to me about a Ministry for Widows, I got confirmation that it was his will for me, but could not immediately, take it up until a year ago due to financial limitations. Somehow, I knew I needed to actualise the vision and had to hold on to the word of God.’

It required a step of faith, ‘the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to the feeding of the multitude by Jesus, with two fish

and five loaves, and I knew it will require a humble start.’ How did she do it? I asked.

‘We started by sending letters to churches to be sure the women are indeed widows who need help, while the churches serve as guarantors. We also ensure that they get personal guarantors. We give out forms to get information about their late husbands, the number of children and their future desires. We are interested in knowing whether they want to remarry and

why? Some say they need someone to pay their children’s school fees and provide for their upkeep and are ready to trade if settled. Some simply want to marry for companionship and it is based on the information provided, that we select those to give loans with proper advice.’ We thank God for the tremendous support we have received so far.

Our target is to affect at least 50 or more widows in the first three years. When asked what keeps her motivated. She smiles and says you need to see the faces of the widows after they have started their businesses. The change is drastic and is evident in their walk and attitude. They become more secure and confident and believe there is a future for their children. Indeed widows are treated badly in the society. She encourages women to develop themselves and to make them selves relevant in society. Horror stories abound as to the treatment of widows even though no one prays for it we should empower ourselves as women.

Apart from the Widow Ministry, Mrs. Ishola has a poultry and sells eggs. She trained as a caterer and handles various contracts such as interior decorations and party planning.

When asked how she has been able to look beyond her disability to take up these tasks, considering that other women may have felt handicapped, she replies with boisterous enthusiasm, ‘I can’t just give up. May be I am stubborn, but

I have made God my source of strength. Whatever I am going through at the moment is not my making. I remember some of the people I spoke to about my vision, they discouraged me because of my condition. But I decided to listen to the voice of

God. I am like an orange tree planted at the junction; everyone comes and drinks from it. I know what God says concerning me and love to counsel people. I know what the Lord is able to do, so I cannot complain.’

It takes a strong will, and a trust in God’s word that comes from a deep knowledge of His love, for a woman in such a condition to see life in such a positive way, with no time to spare on self pity.

Listening to Mrs. Ishola is a humbling experience as she is full of ideas and so bubbly that one momentarily forgets about her disability. This is indeed a woman that lives by her faith

Mrs. Ishola got born again about 23 years ago. The long period of her illness has in no way affected her faith in God’s divine ability to heal her even with suggestions to seek alternative means.

‘It is too late for me to turn back. The illness became worse about four years ago and I’ve made it clear that I cannot go seeking ‘babalawos’ (herbalists). God does not lie and because I am still alive I know He will do it.’

Mrs. Ishola’s story would not be complete without the unsung heroes in her life - her children. ‘I have the best of children, to the Glory of God and they are always willing to go the extra mile. I feel fulfilled both as a mother and as vessel of God and when they are happy, I am happy because we are meeting people’s need in our little way.’

She also spoke of her father, after whom she named the foundation.

‘I am the first of eight children and my parents have remained by me through my wilderness period. Till now, my father sends me foodstuff.’ She says very happily.

Her advice to women in pursuit of life goals is, ‘not to be lazy and not to give up. No matter how small, the vision will grow. I find it difficult to understand what some women mean by saying they cannot do anything. I don’t know why. I think there is always more than enough to do, if only you can connect to the source. Idleness can lead only to unwholesome acts like fornication and adultery. It could also give room to depression. I couldn’t help but tell her what an inspiration she was and in her ever so humble manner she couldn’t see what was so special about the things she was doing. I made a mental note never to complain about anything again

“I can’t just give up. May be I am stubborn, but I have made God my source of strength.”

Goals of the Foundation

• To erase untold hardships from the life of the widow. • To piqué the interest of the society about the harmful treatment the widow and the children receive, and to bringing the trials that the widow and the orphan face in the society. • To provide a reason for a change in her life as a widow. • To portray the widow as an intelligent, and emotional being.

SAMUEL IYERE FOUNDATION Plot 377, 5th Avenue, Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, Nigeria. E-mail: samueliyerefoundation@yahoo.com Tel: 0806 242 8245

Ifeyinwa Irukwu an Ode to

At sunrise I met Agape. We wondered at a love so deep, yet so gentle, a love so giving yet so rich. We looked up expectant, seeking the face of the master. We sought then at the dawn of our lives a kindred spirit, one in whom the master’s love flowed without compromise. Then we found you…..

You breezed through life like a gentle wind calming and uplifting You spoke the potter’s heart quietly but powerfully. You touched each heart warmly but surely. You flushed out blackness with his radiating lightness. Then you left us……

For each who sought the master’s rest you gave your dependable shoulder. For each who groped confused in the darkened maze, you shone sparkles of brightness. For each dazed and broken spirit you mended with your graceful words. Then you flew home…..

We gape aghast at the deep gnawing pain of separation, no longer a call away but in eternity at rest. With heavy hearts and tear filled eyes we savour every memory of you. It was a privilege to have called you friend and an honour to have called you sister. Goodnight Ifeyinwa, see you once more someday where light forever shines.

- Alero mobola adollo