#63: Maria Gaba's story
“The home that I have is not my home, it’s God’s home. I will succeed, by the power of God, to save these children.”
In November last year, I spent two weeks in South Africa volunteering at a children’s home and daycare centre. Today I’m honoured to share with you the story of the centre’s founder, Maria Gaba. Born in Soweto (once the home of Nelson Mandela), Maria’s story is one of overcoming traumatic childhood abuse by the power and love of God. It is honest, brutal at times, yet ultimately hope-filled. The work Maria does is nothing short of remarkable, and she gives all the glory to God. You will come away impacted, I promise you.
To assist in contextualizing her story, the following is a brief glossary of terms, people and places she mentions:
Angel of Hope - The HIV/AIDs counselling centre run by Rebecca, Maria’s daughter.
Rebecca - Maria’s eldest biological daughter.
Soweto - The South Western Townships of Johannesburg, once the largest Black city in South Africa, a hotbed of race riots until the end of Apartheid.
Eastern Cape - A province in the South East of South Africa.
Tebuho - Once of Maria’s biological sons, died of AIDS-related illnesses.
Mandla - One of Maria’s biological sons
Bulelwa - One of Maria’s biological daughters
Lukanyo - One of Maria’s biological sons
Windmill Park - A predominantly Black settlement in Boksburg, in the South East of Johannesburg.
Creche - Daycare centre. “Mpumelo” is Zulu for success.
80 Rand - Approximately $7 CAD / $5 USD
Free State - A province in central South Africa.
Support me and my work at patreon.com/jonathanpuddle
