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PrayerPoint archive

When Atia Mwongathia’s husband fell ill, his parents suspected her of using sorcery to inflict the extreme weight loss and hacking cough. They forced her out of the home she had shared with her husband since the day they were married. She had to return to her aging mother’s rural village.

A few months later she received news that brought tears to her eyes. Her husband had died.

After his death, the family no longer blamed Atia and invited her to come back.

It seemed that life would return to normal, but then Atia started to show the same symptoms. She tried to hide the weight loss and weakness, and even sought medical attention in secret. Then, a large sore developed on her lip.

Suddenly, friends and relatives began distancing themselves, and she was no longer welcome in anyone’s home. Lonely and confused, Atia found solace in God. Every day, she prayed that the Lord would help her.

The answer came when Peter Kainga, an HIV/AIDS educator trained by Samaritan’s Purse, visited Atia. He encouraged her to go to a local testing site, where she learned she was HIV-positive.

Peter gathered the family together and explained basic facts about HIV and its transmission. He also discussed the harmful effects of stigma. The family was moved by the words and decided to replace Atia’s crumbling hut with a new dwelling that would protect her frail body from nature’s elements.

Atia’s niece, Mercy Mwendwa, volunteered to help wash clothes and cook nutritious meals. Mercy checks on Atia when she comes home from school each day, making sure her aunt has eaten and that the house is clean.

Atia’s weary face turns radiant when she sees Mercy. She asks God if he’ll extend her life so she can see her niece grow older. She has seen the Lord’s faithfulness in the past, and knows that whatever the future holds, He’ll be with her.