Ministry
Tell us a little about how you got to where you are today!
Last year I was dragging my feet on starting The Zoe House. Not because I didn’t want to, but because I felt ill-equipped for the task at hand. I felt the magnitude of what God was entrusting me with and wanted to stay on my couch of comfort instead of caring for a handful of vulnerable young girls as they navigate through life as young mothers.
Some days I forget to put on deodorant, could I truly provide a safe place for these girls to experience restoration, freedom, and love?
But then there was a moment that set the fire in my soul to start The Zoe House.
My husband and I were driving down a small side street when we saw a girl sitting next to a fence with a baby. She looked devastated as her eyes remained focused on the ground. I asked Ashiram what was happening to her to be sitting on a side street clutching her baby close, so he pulled up and rolled down his window to talk with her.
This girl, who was 20 and had a 4-month old baby, was chased out of her uncle’s house by his wife. She told my husband she had been wandering around crying and praying because she was not from the city.
The storm clouds rolled in and rain began to fall. Immediately, I wanted to offer her a warm, safe place to stay. Instead, I asked my husband to present one simple question, “What do you need?”
Her baby, Sudais, had had a bad cough for two months and all she wanted was to take him to a clinic. There are many things she could have asked us for, but getting medical attention for her baby was her number one priority.
We drove them to a clinic nearby and shuffled into the doctor’s office like we’ve been family all along. After running some tests, the doctor told us it was a chest infection and Sudais would need treatment for five days.
Although I wanted her to stay with us, all this mother wanted to do was be reunited with her family in a town in Northern Uganda. I couldn’t deny her request, so we agreed to put her on a bus to reconcile with her family.
Her entire demeanor changed from hopelessness to hope the few hours we were with her. She asked me to pray for her and, as I hugged her goodbye, I held back the tears threatening to spill over. On our way home that night my heart was crushed into a million pieces thinking about all the vulnerable young mothers who cannot provide for their children’s medical care and don’t have a place to turn for refuge.
My husband took one look at me and said, “Honey, God is placing The Zoe House right in your path.”
This night would be the catalyst for building The Zoe House.
It’s easier to stick to my comfort zone, but it’s impossible to unsee what I saw. This night I decided to stop keeping other people’s pain at arm’s length.
When I become overwhelmed by the number of things that need to be accomplished or the sheer number of items to plan for I look at this picture and remind myself that Mamma Sudais is not the only one looking for a safe place to belong.
What was an initial challenge in starting your ministry?
Fear of failure and doubt that The Zoe House would actually go from a vision in my heart to something tangible.
How did you overcome this challenge?
I decided to go scared anyway.
What continues to motivate you when times are hard?
What God wants to accomplish through The Zoe House is what propels me forward even when fear is staring me right in the face. I keep moving forward knowing that there are girls out there who have been shunned from their family, kicked out of their homes, and have nowhere to turn other than the streets or the slums. I continue to fight through my fears as I think about the girl who is terrified because she is carrying a child and can’t comprehend how she will provide for her growing family when she can’t even provide a meal for herself. I keep shoving my doubts to the side when I think of the girl who is thinking of self-aborting her child because she doesn’t have a safe place to live and raise a family. I press on thinking about that girl who has been raped yet blame and responsibility is heaped on her for the pregnancy. When I hear about how prevalent child marriage still is in Uganda, I stop giving fear so much real estate in my heart.
What have you recently celebrated – personally and/or professionally?
I feel like the most recent celebration in our home is my husband’s company being awarded Top 100 Mid-Sized businesses in Uganda. When you’re married, your spouse’s victory is your victory.
Your most recent prayer request?
My prayer is that I will be open to the creative ways God wants to build this ministry and that I wouldn’t try to put Him in a box based on my limited perspective. I’m also praying that he establishes a trustworthy team that shares the same passion for the girls and desires to invest wholeheartedly in the work of the ministry.
What is your most important fundraising goal at the moment?
To raise enough money to pay rent for six months by January 2019. This is approximately $2,400 – $3,000. To have 10 new recurring monthly donors.
Words of wisdom or encouragement to others just starting out?
Don’t let the ‘could’ cripple you. There are a lot of things that ‘could’ go wrong, but stepping out and messing up is better than sitting on the couch and never fulfilling your God-give purpose. Get comfortable being uncomfortable!
How has The Cause added to your ministry?
My favorite part of every The Cause call is the time at the end when Morgan or Jenn offers to pray over me and the ministry. I think in ministry it’s easy to always give of ourselves and not take time to receive from others. This is a beautiful time when I graciously receive their encouragement, wisdom and prayers.
What’s your preferred way for others to connect with you? Facebook or Email
Any upcoming events or campaigns we can share?
Once we rent our home we will start our “Make our House a Home” campaign where people can donate items for our virtual housewarming party.
Support Tiffany and her vision here:
Photos by Annie Spratt and Guille Pozzi on Unsplash
Our mission is to provide nonprofit structure and support to Christian leaders serving the under-served worldwide. We facilitate our partners to accomplish their missions.
Our vision is to empower a community of people dedicated to making a difference in the world. To provide our partners with a solid administrative backing, leadership coaching, as well as offering spiritual and emotional support.