“It a miracle!” – exclaimed little Linda, as she opened her gift: “I wanted a doll and her it is!”. Another orphan girl was jumping from excitement, “Oh, I could only dream of this!”. Their mother Munira (39) looked at the girls and smiled. Tears filled her eyes, that were full of pain and sorrow.
Only six months ago her loving husband and father of 10 children died after a long period of illness. These memories were coming back. She was remembering their marriage, first daughter, the first time she met Christians, a new Life in Christ and baptist, all as if happened just yesterday. Every child brought more joy into their home, whom they loved greatly. There were tears and moments of joy daily. Although the father was deaf, all children were born healthy.
Last year, the father of this big family was constantly traveling. The lost souls was the worry of his heart, since these people were so far away from obtaining joy in Jesus Christ. One day, our brother got very sick and could not continue to preach any longer.
“Oh…” – groaned sister Munira – “…life is so short!”. The pictures from the funeral were in front of her eyes again. Their relatives wanted to organize the funeral according to the Muslim tradition. Imam, a priest in Islam, was firm about following all the burial customs. The brothers came from local villages to have a short burial ceremony before Imam could begin. They read from the Bible, prayed and left. “Unfaithful” people are not allowed to attend a Muslim burial.
Life in Uzbekistan (the land of Uz in the Bible) can’t be compared with Germany. There is no health insurance, no monetary aid for the sick. Child support is only a foreign phase that has no meaning. However, Munira is confident that God will provide. The children and the mother is very thankful for the aid and support she received during this difficult time.