1 John 3:17-18 – “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love
with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
At the onset of the year 2024, the Women’s Leadership Group within the Western Block of Nairobi ICOC Kenya convened to draft a calendar of forthcoming activities for women. International Women’s Day stood as the inaugural event on this calendar. Traditionally, our congregation gathers for fasting and prayer on this day. However, this year, our group sought to approach it differently. We aimed to forge connections with and extend support to other groups of women. One of our members informed us about a cancer support group founded by Millicent Kagoga.
Her own experience battling cervical cancer, fraught with challenges, led her to establish this community-based organization. Despite her struggles, she has now entered remission and dedicates her time to serving her community through the organization known as Symbol of Hope Warriors, which comprises 470 members. We decided to visit them, pooling resources to procure food supplies, wigs, books, and more.
On Saturday, March 9th, we visited the support group, which included men, women, and children. The atmosphere was remarkably upbeat, brimming with laughter and warmth. Ninety per cent of the attendees were battling various forms of cancer such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal (colon) cancer, stomach cancer, and many more, while the remainder served as caregivers. Several individuals courageously shared their journeys, moving many of us to tears. One woman, after being ostracized, was asked to stop attending church services and also asked to seek a different place to live because the women were afraid of catching the disease. Others described the financial hardships that led them to sleep in hospital corridors during treatment, resulting in tragic consequences. Catching pneumonia, others gave up the struggle and died or committed suicide.
A recurring theme among the women was the abandonment by their husbands upon learning of their cancer diagnosis, highlighting the pervasive stigma associated with the disease. Despite their harrowing experiences, these individuals exuded vitality and joy, serving as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. Personally, this experience humbled me, prompting reflection on the privileges afforded by my circumstances. It is my fervent hope and prayer that this encounter serves as a catalyst for meaningful change in our lives and perspectives.
The following day, some members of the support group joined us for our church service, where we learned that our contribution had provided food for 70 families for the week. We anticipate that this will begin a meaningful partnership with Symbol of Hope Warriors.
James 1:27 – “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
May God’s blessings abound for all.
