One of six children, Beverlyne lost her mother when she was a young girl. She had to drop out of school because of extreme poverty, and after she became pregnant, the father of her baby boy left her.

But coming to Neema means Beverlyne is now learning dressmaking, livelihood, and social skills to provide for herself and her son and getting access to our counselors to heal from past trauma. It also means that she’s been given the opportunity to learn more about Jesus and his unconditional love through the Alpha program, biweekly chaplain’s visits, weekly church services, daily scripture reading, and reflecting and praying with her peers and the Neema staff. With that, the wounds in her heart have begun to heal.

Beverlyne says, "I was brought up by my grandparents who introduced me to Christianity. But when I was about thirteen, I lived at my elder brother’s place, and because going to church became optional, I rarely went. To make matters worse, it was during this period of time that I became pregnant. I was full of guilt and judged myself to be unworthy to have a personal relationship with God.”

She continues,

“Through the discipleship and counseling sessions at Neema, I've been able to overcome guilt and self-blame and realized that there is no such great sin that God cannot forgive me of if I honestly repent of my sins and ask for forgiveness. I'm jolly that I've been able to restore my relationship with God, and that above all, he has given me joy in serving him through singing and praying."

Beverlyne's story reminds us of the love and forgiveness of Jesus, and because of that she’s found peace and joy in life again. The way she lives has changed as a result.

"I used to feel so shy that I feared relating with my colleagues which made me silent most times. But I am now changing and learning to relate and associate with my friends … I have learned to be a good listener, and I love helping my peers when I see them withdrawn or sad.”

Beverlyne's story: Finding joy in life by accepting forgiveness