My name is Florence Kia. I am 76 years old, a widow, and a caregiver in my household. I am a member of Kica Arwot Savings Group in Twocanikweri, Aber Sub-County, Oyam District, Northern Uganda.
For many years, life was difficult for me. People in my community treated me and my family badly and used hurtful words against us. This affected me deeply, and I ended up living in isolation. I even stopped going to church for many years.
Florence sharing her testimony at the RAP Graduation with 205 other beneficiaries and guests
Before I joined the Rise Above Poverty (RAP) program implemented by Ignite Change, I was struggling. I was very thin and weak; if you had seen me, you would have shed tears, and I had lost confidence. I felt alone and never imagined that my life could change.
Things began to change when I joined the RAP savings group. During our first lesson on Introduction and Identity in Christ, I learned that my relationship with God matters most. I came to understand that God knows me, loves me, and values me, regardless of what people say about me or my family.
That lesson changed how I saw myself. I realized that I did not have to keep living in isolation because of how people had treated me. What mattered most was how God saw me.
I decided to make a change and asked our Community Coach to take me to a church where I could worship God again. After many years away, I returned to church, and I have continued attending every Sunday.
Also, at my savings group, whenever we meet, I am the one who reads the Word of God to my fellow members. I never imagined that I would return to church and reach a point where I could share the Word of God with others after being away for so many years.
As I shared during the graduation ceremony with RAP members, when I joined RAP, I started seeing changes coming in my life. I started having pride. I was even being loved.
The group members of Florence celebrating her amazing testimony!
I have also made many friends. People now come to me, and I feel that I belong. It means a lot to have people around me who show love and care. I have learned that we need one another, and the friendships I have made have brought happiness into my life.
Today, when I look at myself, I see how far I have come. I feel more confident; I attend church every Sunday, and I read the Word of God during our group meetings. These changes mean a lot to me because I never thought I would be where I am today.
My advice to other widows is this: do not lose hope. God knows you, loves you, and values you. What matters most is how God sees you, not what people say about you.
Let us not reject people because of their circumstances. Let us use kind words and show love to those who need it. We may not know what someone is going through, but the way we treat them can make a big difference in their lives.
I thank God for the changes I have experienced through RAP. I am grateful that I have returned to church, made friends, and found the confidence to share the Word of God with others.
God bless you all.
Thank you.