POSTCARD FROM AFRICA-- November 2024

Meet Victoria.  About seven years ago Victoria was diagnosed as HIV positive.  As a result of her condition, she became critically sick with tuberculosis of the bones and severe arthritis, which left her confined to bed and a wheelchair.  One of Orchard: Africa’s partner pastors learned about Victoria and added her to his home-based care roster. With the training and support he regularly receives from Orchard: Africa, he was able to provide care for her. 

Victoria's pastor consistently helped her take her medication, provided her with food and medical supplies as well as visited her regularly to pray with her. Orchard: Africa mission team members, visiting in the area, would also be taken to pray and have conversation with Victoria.

Victoria started to realize that she was no longer alone in her affliction, but that she was part of a caring community.  Her despondency left and she was filled with joy and hope.  Her positive attitude helped her slowly recover and, although she is still HIV+, her health has improved remarkably. She started making the effort to get out of the wheelchair and walk with crutches. After two years of this, Victoria is now strong enough to walk on her own.

The pastor encouraged Victoria to participate in the Orchard: Africa agriculture program and helped her to establish a small vegetable garden in her front yard, which is now flourishing.  Taking her medication regularly, the added vegetables she eats, and the physical work outside in the sunshine, has greatly strengthened her immune system.

Victoria, once critically sick and confined to bed and a wheelchair, is now out and about, living her life. This is because of the love and care she received through her church and the Orchard Community.